U.S. patent application number 11/509054 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for systems, methods, and computer program products for enabling an advertiser to measure user viewing of and response to an advertisement.
Invention is credited to Jeff Apple, Lehmann Li.
Application Number | 20070038516 11/509054 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37743685 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070038516 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Apple; Jeff ; et
al. |
February 15, 2007 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for enabling an
advertiser to measure user viewing of and response to an
advertisement
Abstract
Systems, methods, apparatus, and/or computer program products
for measuring if, when, how, and/or to what degree an user responds
to an advertisement to enable an advertiser to produce an unique
advertisement for the user and measure the effectiveness of
advertisements through wireless and other media channels. The
system enables an advertiser to measure the effectiveness of
advertisements transmitted to the user through multiple media
channels, including, but not limited to: television, radio,
personal computer, billboard, magazines, newspapers, product
package, and/or other wireless devices, as well as a wireless
network. The system also incorporates static and/or dynamic
information about the user and/or feedback from the user to produce
dynamically an unique advertisement that increases and/or maximizes
the probability of the user and comparable users buying the
advertised product.
Inventors: |
Apple; Jeff; (Malibu,
CA) ; Li; Lehmann; (Studio City, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STERNE, KESSLER, GOLDSTEIN & FOX PLLC
1100 NEW YORK AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
37743685 |
Appl. No.: |
11/509054 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11503185 |
Aug 14, 2006 |
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11509054 |
Aug 24, 2006 |
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60707684 |
Aug 13, 2005 |
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60716089 |
Sep 11, 2005 |
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60774423 |
Feb 16, 2006 |
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60779753 |
Mar 6, 2006 |
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60744505 |
Apr 9, 2006 |
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60774836 |
Feb 17, 2006 |
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60745524 |
Apr 24, 2006 |
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60821572 |
Aug 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0243 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/014 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A method for determining the effectiveness of an advertisement,
comprising: (a) receiving, in a computer, one or more advertisement
viewing records including data related to the advertisement and
data related to an individual viewing the advertisement from one or
more devices, wherein at least one advertisement viewing record is
associated with a first type of media device and at least one
advertisement viewing record is associated with a second type of
media device; (b) receiving, in the computer, one or more product
purchase records including data related to a product purchased and
data related to an individual purchasing the product from one or
more devices, wherein the product purchase records are
electronically transmitted to the computer; (c) analyzing, in the
computer, the received advertisement viewing records and the
received product purchase records; and (d) for each advertisement
viewing record having a predefined set of data in common with a
product purchase record, generating a matching record, whereby the
matching record indicates a likelihood that the viewing of an
advertisement associated with the advertisement viewing record
generated a subsequent purchase of a product associated with the
advertisement.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises: receiving, in
the computer, one or more advertisement viewing records from one or
more wireless devices.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more advertisement
viewing records are collected by a user response measurement system
in one of the one or more wireless devices.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more advertisement
viewing records are collected by the user response measurement
system from a media device.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein an advertisement viewing record
includes one or more ad data codes.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more product purchase
records are collected by a user response measurement system in one
of the one or more wireless devices.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more product purchase
records are collected by the user response measurement system from
a point of sale system.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein a product purchase record includes
one or more payment receipts.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) comprises: receiving, in
the computer, one or more advertisement viewing records from a
media device.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the media device is a personal
computer.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the media device is a set-top
box.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) comprises: receiving, in
the computer, one or more product purchase records from a point of
sale device.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) comprises: receiving, in
the computer, one or more product purchase records from a media
device.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) comprises: receiving, in
the computer, one or more product purchase records from a retailer
server.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the one or more product
purchase records are collected by the retailer server from one or
more point of sale devices.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the advertisement viewing record
includes a unique code field and the product purchase record
includes the unique code field.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the predefined set of data
includes the unique code field.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the unique code is an existing
identification code.
19. The method of claim 18, the existing identification code
includes a membership identification code.
20. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (e) generating a
plurality of advertisements.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein one or more of the generated
advertisements include a plurality of independent variables from a
set of independent variables.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein step (e) comprises generating a
first advertisement for a first sample group and a second
advertisement for a second sample group.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein one or more advertisement
viewing records includes an identification of the first
advertisement and an identification of an individual in the first
sample group and one or more advertisement viewing records includes
an identification of the second advertisement and an identification
of an individual in the second sample group.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein one or more product purchase
records includes the identification of the individual in the first
sample group and one or more product purchase records includes the
identification of the individual in the second sample group.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: (f) generating a
first set of data indicative of the return on investment for the
first advertisement; and (g) generating a second set of data
indicative of the return on investment for the second
advertisement.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: (h) analyzing the
first set of data and the second set of data to identify the impact
of one or more of the independent variables.
27. A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium
including control logic stored therein, the control logic enabling
the determination of the effectiveness of an advertisement, the
control logic comprising: means for enabling a processor to receive
one or more advertisement viewing records including data related to
the advertisement and data related to an individual viewing the
advertisement from one or more devices, wherein at least one
advertisement viewing record is associated with a first type of
media device and at least one advertisement viewing record is
associated with a second type of media device; means for enabling
the processor to receive one or more product purchase records
including data related to a product purchased and data related to
an individual purchasing the product from one or more devices,
wherein the product purchase records are electronically transmitted
to the computer; means for enabling the processor to analyze
received advertisement viewing records and the received product
purchase records; and means for enabling the processor to generate
a matching record for each advertisement viewing record having a
predefined set of data in common with a product purchase
record.
28. The computer program product of claim 27, wherein the means for
enabling the processor to receive one or more advertisement viewing
records comprises: means for enabling the processor to receive one
or more advertisement viewing records from one or more wireless
devices.
29. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein the one or
more advertisement viewing records are collected by a user response
measurement system in one of one or more wireless devices.
30. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the one or
more advertisement viewing records are collected by the user
response measurement system from a media device.
31. The computer program product of claim 27 wherein an
advertisement viewing record includes one or more ad data
codes.
32. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein the one or
more product purchase records are collected by a user response
measurement system in one of one or more wireless devices.
33. The computer program product of claim 32, wherein the one or
more product purchase records are collected by the user response
measurement system from a point of sale system.
34. The computer program product of claim 27 wherein a product
purchase record includes one or more payment receipts.
35. The computer program product of claim 27 wherein the means for
enabling the processor to receive one or more advertisement viewing
records comprises: means for enabling the processor to receive one
or more advertisement viewing records from a media device.
36. The computer program product of claim 35, wherein the media
device is a personal computer.
37. The computer program product of claim 35, wherein the media
device is a set-top box.
38. The computer program product of claim 27 wherein the means for
enabling the processor to receive one or more purchase records
comprises: means for enabling the processor to receive one or more
product purchase records from a point of sale device.
39. The computer program product of claim 27 wherein the means for
enabling the processor to receive one or more purchase records
comprises: means for enabling the processor to receive one or more
product purchase records from a media device.
40. The computer program product of claim 27 wherein the means for
enabling the processor to receive one or more purchase records
comprises: means for enabling the processor to receive one or more
product purchase records from a retailer server.
41. The computer program product of claim 40, wherein the one or
more product purchase records are collected by the retailer server
from one or more point of sale devices.
42. The computer program product of claim 27, wherein the
advertisement viewing record includes a unique code field and the
product purchase record includes the unique code field.
43. The computer program product of claim 42, wherein the
predefined set of data includes the unique code field.
44. The computer program product of claim 43, wherein the unique
code is an existing identification code.
45. The computer program product of claim 44, wherein the existing
identification code includes a membership identification code.
46. The computer program product of claim 27, wherein the control
logic includes: means for enabling the processor to generate a
plurality of advertisements.
47. The computer program product of claim 46, wherein one or more
of the generated advertisements include a plurality of independent
variables from a set of independent variables.
48. The computer program product of claim 47, wherein the means for
enabling the processor to generate a plurality of advertisement
comprises means for enabling the processor to generate a first
advertisement for a first sample group and a second advertisement
for a second sample group.
49. The computer program product of claim 48, wherein one or more
advertisement viewing records includes an identification of the
first advertisement and an identification of an individual in the
first sample group and one or more advertisement viewing records
includes an identification of the second advertisement and an
identification of an individual in the second sample group.
50. The computer program product of claim 49, wherein one or more
product purchase records includes the identification of the
individual in the first sample group and one or more product
purchase records includes the identification of the individual in
the second sample group.
51. The computer program product of claim 50, wherein the control
logic further comprises: means for enabling the processor to
generate a first set of data indicative of the return on investment
for the first advertisement; and means for enabling the processor
to generate a second set of data indicative of the return on
investment for the second advertisement.
52. The computer program product of claim 25, wherein the control
logic further comprises: means for enabling the processor to
analyze the first set of data and the second set of data to
identify the impact of one or more of the independent
variables.
53. A system for determining the effectiveness of an advertisement,
comprising: receiver configured to receive one or more
advertisement viewing records including data related to the
advertisement and data related to an individual viewing the
advertisement from one or more devices, wherein at least one
advertisement viewing record is associated with a first type of
media device and at least one advertisement viewing record is
associated with a second type of media device and to receive one or
more product purchase records including data related to a product
purchased and data related to an individual purchasing the product
from one or more devices, wherein the product purchase records are
electronically transmitted to the computer; and an analysis module
configured to analyze the received advertisement viewing records
and the received product purchase records to generate a matching
record for each advertisement viewing record having a predefined
set of data in common with a product purchase record, whereby the
matching record indicates a likelihood that the viewing of an
advertisement associated with the advertisement viewing record
generated a subsequent purchase of a product associated with the
advertisement.
54. The system of claim 53 wherein the one or more advertisement
viewing records are received from one or more wireless devices.
55. The system of claim 54, wherein the one or more advertisement
viewing records are collected by a user response measurement system
in one of the one or more wireless devices.
56. The system of claim 55, wherein the one or more advertisement
viewing records are collected by the user response measurement
system from a media device.
57. The system of claim 53 wherein an advertisement viewing record
includes one or more ad data codes.
58. The system of claim 54, wherein the one or more product
purchase records are collected by a user response measurement
system in one of the one or more wireless devices.
59. The system of claim 58, wherein the one or more product
purchase records are collected by the user response measurement
system from a point of sale system.
60. The system of claim 53 wherein a product purchase record
includes one or more payment receipts.
61. The system of claim 53 wherein the one or more advertisement
viewing records are received from a media device.
62. The system of claim 61, wherein the media device is a personal
computer.
63. The system of claim 61, wherein the media device is a set-top
box.
64. The system of claim 53 wherein the one or more product purchase
records are received from a point of sale device.
65. The system of claim 53 the one or more product purchase records
from a media device.
66. The system of claim 53 wherein the one or more product purchase
records from a retailer server.
67. The system of claim 66, wherein the one or more product
purchase records are collected by the retailer server from one or
more point of sale devices.
68. The system of claim 53, wherein the advertisement viewing
record includes a unique code field and the product purchase record
includes the unique code field.
69. The system of claim 68, wherein the predefined set of data
includes the unique code field.
70. The system of claim 69, wherein the unique code is an existing
identification code.
71. The system of claim 70, the existing identification code
includes a membership identification code.
72. The system of claim 53, further comprising: advertisement
generation module configured to generate a plurality of
advertisements.
73. The system of claim 72, wherein one or more of the generated
advertisements include a plurality of independent variables from a
set of independent variables.
74. The system of claim 73, wherein the advertisement generation
module is further configured to generate a first advertisement for
a first sample group and a second advertisement for a second sample
group.
75. The system of claim 74, wherein one or more advertisement
viewing records includes an identification of the first
advertisement and an identification of an individual in the first
sample group and one or more advertisement viewing records includes
an identification of the second advertisement and an identification
of an individual in the second sample group.
76. The system of claim 75, wherein one or more product purchase
records includes the identification of the individual in the first
sample group and one or more product purchase records includes the
identification of the individual in the second sample group.
77. The system of claim 76, wherein the analysis module is further
configured to: generate a first set of data indicative of the
return on investment for the first advertisement; and generate a
second set of data indicative of the return on investment for the
second advertisement.
78. The system of claim 77, wherein the analysis module is further
configured to analyze the first set of data and the second set of
data to identify the impact of one or more of the independent
variables.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/503,185, filed on Aug. 14, 2006 entitled
"Systems, Methods, and Computer Program Products for Enabling an
Advertiser to Measure User Viewing Of and Response to an
Advertisement," which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/707,684, filed on Aug. 13,
2005, entitled "Systems, Methods, And Apparatus Enabling Whether,
When, And How A Wireless User Responds To An Advertisement
Transmitted Through Any Media Device To Produce A Customized
Advertisement And Measure Advertisement Effectiveness," U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/716,089, filed on Sep. 11, 2005,
entitled "Systems, Methods, And Apparatus Measuring Whether, When,
And How A Wireless User Responds To An Advertisement Transmitted
Through Any Media Device To Produce A Customized Advertisement And
Measure Advertisement Effectiveness," U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/774,423, filed on Feb. 16, 2006, entitled "Systems, Methods,
And Apparatus Enabling An Advertiser To Measure If A User Views An
Advertisement Transmitted To Any Media Device And Purchases In Any
Retail Channel The Product Promoted In Said Advertisement," U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/779,753, filed on Mar. 6, 2006,
entitled, "Systems, Methods, And Apparatus Enabling An Advertiser
To Measure If A User Views An Advertisement Transmitted To Any
Media Device And Purchases In Any Retail Channel The Product
Promoted In Said Advertisement," U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/744,505, filed on Apr. 9, 2006, entitled "Systems, Methods, And
Apparatus Enabling An Advertiser To Measure If A User Views An
Advertisement Transmitted To Any Media Device And Purchases In Any
Retail Channel The Product Promoted In Said Advertisement," U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/774,836, filed on Apr. 13, 2006,
entitled "Systems, Methods, And Apparatus Enabling An Advertiser To
Measure If A User Views An Advertisement Transmitted To Any Media
Device And Purchases In Any Retail Channel The Product Promoted In
Said Advertisement," U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/745,524,
filed on Apr. 24, 2006, entitled "Systems, Methods, And Apparatus
Enabling An Advertiser To Measure If A User Views An Advertisement
Transmitted To Any Media Device And Purchases In Any Retail Channel
The Product Promoted In Said Advertisement," and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/821,572, filed on Aug. 6, 2006, entitled
"Systems, Methods, And Computer Program Products Enabling The
Measurement If An Advertisement Transmitted To Any Media Device
Leads To A Sale In Any Retail Channel," each of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0002] The application is also related to Disclosure Document, Ser.
No. 593980, filed on Jan. 30, 2006, entitled "Systems, Methods, And
Apparatus Enabling An Advertiser To Measure If A User Views An
Advertisement Transmitted To Any Media Device And Purchases The
Product Promoted In Any Retail Channel," and Disclosure Document,
Ser. No. 604024, filed on Jul. 27, 2006, entitled "System, Methods,
And Computer Program Products Enabling The Measurement If An
Advertisement Delivered To Any Media Device Leads To A Sale In Any
Retail Channel," each of which is incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates, in general, to measuring the
effectiveness of advertising and, in particular, to systems,
methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for producing
advertisements for transmission to any media device and measuring
how users respond in any retail channel to such advertisements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Advertisers generally produce one advertisement--whether in
the form of video, audio, and/or image--for their target audience.
An advertiser might vary some elements of the advertisement, e.g.,
different price offers or different celebrity endorsers, depending
on the target market. Current media channels such as television,
radio, personal computer, outdoor, magazines, newspapers, and
product packaging enable an advertiser to distribute a unique
advertisement to some group of users, e.g., all users living within
a zip code. However, these current media technologies generally do
not allow an advertiser to distribute a unique advertisement to an
individual user.
[0005] In addition, advertisers currently produce advertisements
with limited feedback from actual users. Often advertisers review a
given advertisement with a focus group of users in their target
market. In some cases, advertisers show an advertisement in a test
media market before showing the advertisement in a broader media
market. In general, current media technologies enable advertisers
to measure only the opinion of users regarding an advertisement or
their intent to buy the product advertised.
[0006] Advertisers recognize the disadvantages of measuring what an
user thinks by asking him/her what they think. In general, a system
requiring active measurement of user activity will be less accurate
and reliable than a system of passive measurement. That is, a
system requiring users to give an opinion about their preferences
introduces a variety of potential problems, including, inter alia,
user lack of understanding of the question, user bias, and user
unwillingness to provide publicly an unpopular answer.
[0007] In the case of measuring advertising effectiveness, a system
requiring users to state explicitly their opinion about an
advertisement or particular elements of an advertisement introduces
a variety of problems that can cause the over- or underestimation
of the real user responsiveness to an advertisement or an
advertisement element. Therefore, advertisers generally prefer to
measure--not what an user thinks about an advertisement, elements
of an advertisement, or the product advertised--but how an user
actually behaves after viewing the advertisement. However, current
media technologies do not enable an advertiser to measure, inter
alia, whether a given user buys the product advertised in response
to the advertisement, whether the user takes certain steps short of
buying the product advertised that still reflect interest in the
product and/or intent to buy the product at a later time, or the
ratio of the number of units purchased by an user viewing an
advertisement to the number of times an user viewed an
advertisement ("Return On Investment" or "ROI").
[0008] A few selected media devices and retail channels in which an
advertiser can measure if an user views an advertisement
transmitted to the media device and purchases the product promoted
in the advertisement in the retail channels. For example, an
advertiser can measure the ROI of an online advertisement leading
to an online purchase, because it can track an user viewing an
advertisement on an online media program, e.g., a search engine,
determine which online media program forwarded the user to the
advertiser's web site, and record any purchase made by the user at
the advertiser's web site. In another example, an advertiser can
measure the ROI of an advertisement placed in a mail order catalog
leading to a purchase through a telecommunications device or the
mail if an user purchases the product in the catalog utilizing a
specific phone number or by mailing a specific code provided in the
catalog, respectively.
[0009] However, an advertiser cannot measure the ROI for online
advertisements that lead to a purchase in any retail channel other
than an online retailer such as a physical retailer, a purchase
order made through a phone call, or physical delivery of a purchase
order. Furthermore, an advertiser cannot measure the ROI for
advertisements viewed on television, radio, print, outdoor, and
product package leading to a purchase in any retail channel. Except
for certain types of interactive television shopping, an advertiser
cannot measure the specific ROI of a television advertisement
leading to a purchase through a phone call. While an advertiser can
measure the number of purchases made through a phone call, it
cannot measure the specific advertisement or specific media program
which led to the phone call unless the user manually identifies the
advertisement or the program.
[0010] Without data measuring the ROI of advertisements across most
major media programs, an advertiser cannot optimize the purchase of
advertisements to maximize sales or profits. Techniques exist to
enable an advertiser to optimize the purchase of advertisements to
maximize the number of users viewing an advertisement or optimize
the number of users viewing an advertisement most likely to
purchase the product promoted based on demographics of a given
media program.
[0011] Finally, advertisers currently have research data showing
the response rates among different media channels. However, these
response rates typically measure whether users as a class met some
objective, e.g., recalling the advertisement, that may or may not
be related to the primary advertiser objective of maximizing sales
and/or profits. Moreover, advertisers typically obtain such data
only in a survey of users after transmission of the advertisement.
Without a measure of the ROI for each media channel, an advertiser
cannot determine how to allocate an advertising budget efficiently
among the different media channels.
[0012] Existing techniques enable the measurement of an user
viewing an advertisement transmitted to certain media devices and
the identification of the specific media program in which an user
viewed the advertisement. For example, an advertiser placing an
advertisement in an online media program can determine if the user
viewed the advertisement and identify the specific media program in
which an user viewed the advertisement.
[0013] Techniques also exist to enable an advertiser to pay for a
media location based not on the number of potential or actual
viewers of an advertisement, as measured by, e.g.,
cost-per-thousand (CPM) impressions, but on a measure that reflects
some response by an user to an advertisement, as measured by, e.g.,
cost-per-click (CPC). However, even paying for a media location
based on CPC still does not enable an advertiser to pay for a media
location based on actual sales or profits. Existing techniques
enable an advertiser to pay for an online media location based on
cost-per-sale (CPS) for online advertisements leading to online
sales. However, a vast majority of sales occur in retail channels
other than online sales. Moreover, an advertiser should value the
ability to pay for a media location in any media based on CPS.
[0014] Therefore, what is needed are systems and methods for
providing the ability to generate unique advertisements for
individuals.
[0015] What is further needed are systems and methods that
passively measure user responses to advertisements by observing
user behavior.
[0016] What is also needed are systems and methods to allow for the
accurate measurement of user responses to advertisements.
[0017] What is also needed are systems and methods to allow
advertisers to analyze consumption and response to advertisements
based on numerous factors such as response per media channel
carrying the advertisement.
[0018] What is further needed are systems and methods for
automating the process of measuring an advertisement which an user
views, the media program in which an user views the advertisement,
the retail channel in which an user purchases product promoted in
the advertisement, and the matching of code recording the
advertisement viewed with data recording the product purchased.
[0019] What is also needed are systems and methods to enable an
advertiser to pay for a media location based on estimated or actual
sales or profits, as measured by, e.g., cost-per-sale (CPS), for
online advertisements leading to any retail channel other than
online retailers; and advertisements delivered to media devices
other than a device that can receive an online advertisement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention
and, together with the description, further serve to explain the
principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the
pertinent art to make and use the invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a high-level block diagram of a system
enabling an advertiser to track user viewing of and response to an
advertisement, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary ad data code, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a portion of the exemplary system of FIG. 1
including media devices and wireless devices, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 depicts one or more these exemplary media devices and
their respective I-O devices which may be used in the system of
FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
set top box, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 depicts a table listing the I-O devices of a wireless
device and the I-O devices of the above described media devices
with which such wireless device can exchange data through a wired
and/or wireless signal, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
URMS, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary
implementation of a URMS in a wireless device as a software
application program operating on top of an operating system, such
as the operating system depicted in FIG. 3, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 depicts a table listing a set of modules and how each
module can generate values for particular variables reflecting an
user viewing an advertisement and values for particular variables
reflecting how an user responds to an advertisement, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary template for an ad data file
associated with each ad data code, according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary table listing the operators the
present invention can utilize to calculate the number of specific
types of advertisements transmitted by a given advertiser,
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary table showing different
variables measuring how an user can respond to a given
advertisement, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 13 depicts a diagram of a specific embodiment of the
MMCMS exchanging data in the case of a television advertisement,
according to embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 14 depicts a functional block diagram of a portion of a
system measuring an user response to an advertisement by purchasing
a product at a retailer, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary process for any contactless
device to exchange data with a Payment Device, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PLU
database, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary transaction
database, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 16C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary customer
database, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 17 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
implementation of a wireless device which includes the capability
of communicating with a payment device, according to embodiments of
the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 18 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
measuring details related to user viewing of an advertisement and
user response(s) to one or more viewed advertisements, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary Payment Receipt which a
Retailer and/or wireless device can produce, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 20 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
comparing data stored in a wireless device and ad file table
information, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 21 depicts exemplary ad data code and payment receipt,
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 22 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
measuring if an user of a wireless device views an advertisement on
a television, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 23 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
system for measuring the ROI of an advertisement transmitted to a
television, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary system for measuring if an user
of a wireless device views an advertisement transmitted to a
television, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 25 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
measuring the ROI for an advertisement transmitted to a personal
computer, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 26A depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
system for measuring the ROI for an advertisement transmitted to a
personal computer, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 26B depicts a functional block diagram of a specific
embodiment of an exemplary system for measuring the ROI for an
advertisement transmitted to a personal computer utilizing the
payment functionality of a credit/debit card external to a wireless
device, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary system for measuring if an user
of a wireless device views an advertisement transmitted to a
personal computer, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 28 depicts a flowchart of advertiser transmission of ad
data code to a wireless device, according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0052] FIG. 29 depicts a flowchart of third party URL transmission
of ad data code to a wireless device, according to embodiments of
the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 30 depicts a flowchart of third party cookie method for
transmission of ad data code to a wireless device, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 31 depicts a flowchart of a wireless device
synchronization method for transmission of an ad data code to a
wireless device, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0055] FIG. 32 depicts a flowchart of a wireless device
synchronization method for transmission of an ad data code to a
wireless device, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 33 depicts a flowchart of a method for measuring
whether a wireless device user views an advertisement at a search
engine and determining if there is a match between an user response
and an advertisement viewed by the user, according to embodiments
of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 34 depicts an exemplary system enabling an user of a
wireless device equipped with one or more I-O Devices capable of
recording an ad data code to record such code from an advertisement
viewed in a print publication, e.g., a newspaper or magazine,
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 35 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of how a
payment module can measure and/or process data on any products
purchased by a wireless device user, according to embodiments of
the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 36 depicts a flowchart of a method for the generation
and transmission of payment information by a retailer, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 37 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of
enabling a retailer to transmit data measuring if the user of a
wireless device purchased a product, according to embodiments of
the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 38 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
transmitting a payment receipt to a wireless device in a HTML
format for viewing by the web browser of wireless device, according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 39 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of how an
event handler module can measure the reception of a text message
from a given media device, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0063] FIG. 40 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of how a
keypad module can measure user input data, according to embodiments
of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 41 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of how a
mapping module can measure if a wireless device visits a physical
retailer advertised, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 42 depicts an exemplary system for measuring if an user
of a wireless device views an advertisement transmitted to and
displayed on such wireless device, according to embodiments of
present invention.
[0066] FIG. 43 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
processing the calculation of ROI for a television advertisement
within URMA module, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0067] FIG. 44 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
system for measuring user viewing of and response to advertisements
using unique individual or device identifiers, according to
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 45 depicts a functional
block diagram of a system enabling the exchange of Ad Data Codes,
Payment Receipts, Ad Data Files, Payment Data Files, and/or
Matching Event Files between an advertiser and one or more devices,
according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 46 depicts
a functional block diagram of a system enabling the exchange of Ad
Data Codes, Payment Receipts, Ad Data Files, Payment Data Files,
and/or Matching Event Files between an advertiser that is a
financial institution with an ATM and one or more devices,
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 47 depicts a functional block diagram of a system
enabling the measurement of an user viewing of an advertisement and
an user paying for a Product through a bill payment program on a
Wireless Device 0120 or any Media Device 0110, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 48 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of
enabling an advertiser to track if an advertisement delivered to
any media device results in a sale in any retail channel using an
unique wireless device code, according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0070] FIG. 49 depicts an exemplary system for enabling an
advertiser to track if an advertisement delivered to a media device
results in a sale in a retail channel using an unique wireless
device code, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 50 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of
enabling an advertiser to track if an advertisement delivered to
any media device results in a sale in any retail channel using an
existing unique ID code, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0072] FIG. 51 depicts an exemplary system for enabling an
advertiser to track if an advertisement delivered to any media
device results in a sale in any retail channel using an existing
unique ID code, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0073] FIG. 52 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of
enabling an advertiser to track if an advertisement delivered to
any media device results in a sale at a retailer, where the
retailer is the advertiser, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0074] FIG. 53 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for a
Wireless Device having a unique ID and/or existing unique ID code
to transmit to a STB, wireless device Vicinity Data, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 54 depicts a flowchart of a method for associating a
unique code with payment information, according to embodiments of
the present invention.
[0076] FIG. 55 depicts a flowchart of a method for redeeming an
electronic coupon to enable the ROI calculation for a given
advertisement, according to embodiments of the invention.
[0077] FIG. 56 depicts a flowchart of a method for electronic
receipt capture and/or retrieval, according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0078] FIG. 57 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary system for
producing dynamic advertising, according to embodiments of the
present invention.
[0079] FIG. 58 depicts a table of exemplary ad elements and element
codes, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0080] FIG. 59 depicts an exemplary table of user responses to
different versions of a single element, according to embodiments of
the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 60 depicts an exemplary process for converting a
generic ad data code into an user specific ad data code, according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 61 depicts a table of exemplary user reception of
advertisements for a product over a specific time frame, according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0083] FIGS. 62A-D show examples of the generation of different
User Response Scores based on characteristics of an advertisement,
according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0084] FIG. 63 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for the
dynamic production of advertisements, according to embodiments of
the present invention.
[0085] FIG. 64 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of
enabling an advertiser to measure the effect that one variable can
have on the response of an user to an advertisement, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 65 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
enabling an advertiser to measure the effect of viewing an
advertisement on different media devices, media programs, or media
locations, according to embodiments of present invention.
[0087] FIG. 66 depicts a diagram comparing two advertisements which
have the same features in every respect except for an independent
variable, according to embodiments of the present invention.
[0088] FIG. 67 depicts an exemplary method of calculating the
optimal price an Advertiser should be willing to pay for a given
Media Location, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0089] FIG. 68 depicts a diagram comparing the transmission of the
same advertisement to Sample Group A and Sample Group B, each of
which views the advertisement through different media devices,
according to embodiment so the present invention.
[0090] FIG. 69 depicts an architecture of the DAPM in the case of
producing one advertisement for transmission to a television or
personal computer, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0091] FIG. 70 depicts a block diagram of a data processing unit
that can be used to implement the entities described herein.
[0092] FIG. 71 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a
combination power charger and ad measurement apparatus for a
television set-top box, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0093] FIG. 72 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
system enabling the measurement if an advertisement transmitted to
a personal computer or television leads to a sale in retail
channel.
[0094] FIG. 73 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
measuring if an advertisement transmitted to a media device leads
to a sale in any retailer, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0095] FIG. 74 depicts a functional block diagram of a system
enabling an advertiser to measure if an user views an advertisement
transmitted to any media device, e.g., a personal computer or
television, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0096] FIG. 75 depicts a functional block diagram of a system
enabling a retailer to measure if the user who viewed an
advertisement purchases the product promoted in such advertisement,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0097] FIG. 76 depicts a functional block diagram of a system
enabling the matching of a customer record with an advertisement
record through ID) codes, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0098] FIG. 77 depicts a functional block diagram of a system
enabling the testing of the effect of an independent variable on
the ROI of a given advertisement, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0099] FIG. 78 depicts a diagram comparing the transmission of one
advertisement to Sample Group A and another advertisement to Sample
Group B, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0100] FIG. 79 depicts a flowchart of a method for testing the
effect of an independent variable on the ROI of a given
advertisement, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0101] The present application will now describe the present
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the
drawings, like reference numbers can indicate identical or
functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s)
of a reference number may identify the drawing in which the
reference number first appears.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
OUTLINE
[0102] 1. Data Processing Unit
[0103] 2. Measuring User Viewing of and Response to Advertisements
[0104] 2.1 Architecture [0105] 2.1.1 Advertisement Information
[0106] 2.1.2 Media Device & Wireless Device [0107] 2.1.2.1
Media Devices [0108] 2.1.2.2 Wireless Device [0109] 2.1.2.2.1 I-O
Devices [0110] 2.1.2.3 User Response Measurement System (URMS)
[0111] 2.1.2.3.1 Ad Data Code Module & Payment Code Module
[0112] 2.1.2.3.2 Data Storage [0113] 2.1.2.3.3 User Response
Measurement Analysis [0114] 2.1.2.3.4 Exemplary Implementation of
URMS [0115] 2.1.2.4 Multiple Media Channel Measurement System
(MMCMS) [0116] 2.1.3 Payment Architecture [0117] 2.2 Methods [0118]
2.2.1 Examples [0119] 2.2.1.1 Measurement of User Viewing
Advertisement on Television Media Device [0120] 2.2.1.2 Measurement
of User Viewing Advertisement on Personal Computer Media Device
[0121] 2.2.1.2.1 Methods for Reception of Ad Data Code [0122]
2.2.1.2.1.1 Advertiser Transmission [0123] 2.2.1.2.1.2 Third Party
URL Transmission [0124] 2.2.1.2.1.3 Third Party Cookie [0125]
2.2.1.2.1.4 Wireless Device Synchronization [0126] 2.2.1.2.1.5
Wireless Device Search [0127] 2.2.1.2.2 Examples [0128] 2.2.1.3
Measurement of User Viewing of and Response to Advertisement by
Search Module [0129] 2.2.1.4 Measurement of User Viewing
Advertisement on Print Media Device [0130] 2.2.1.5 Measurement of
User Response to Advertisement by Payment Module [0131] 2.2.1.6
Generation and Receipt of Payment Information [0132] 2.2.1.6.1
Generation by Retailer [0133] 2.2.1.6.2 Generation by Wireless
Device [0134] 2.2.1.6.3 Generation by Third Party Credit/Debit Card
Vendor [0135] 2.2.1.6.4 Electronic Ticket [0136] 2.2.1.7
Measurement of User Response to Advertisement by Event Handler
Module [0137] 2.2.1.8 Measurement of User Response to Advertisement
by Keyboard Module [0138] 2.2.1.9 Measurement of User Response to
Advertisement by Mapping Module [0139] 2.2.1.10 General Measurement
of Viewing [0140] 2.2.2 Exemplary URMA processing [0141] 2.2.3
Method for Analysis of Historical Database of Payment
Information
[0142] 3. Measuring User Consumption and/or Response to Advertising
Using Individual or Device Identifiers [0143] 3.1 Architecture
[0144] 3.1.1 Exemplary Systems [0145] 3.2 Methods [0146] 3.2.1
Unique Code [0147] 3.2.2 Existing Unique ID Code [0148] 3.3
Examples [0149] 3.3.1 Existing Unique ID [0150] 3.3.2 Transmission
of Vicinity Data to STB [0151] 3.3.3 Association of Unique Code
with Payment Information [0152] 3.3.4 Electronic Coupon Redemption
[0153] 3.3.5 Electronic Receipt Capture and/or Retrieval [0154]
3.3.6 Shopper Loyalty [0155] 3.4 Summary
[0156] 4. Dynamic Production of Advertisements [0157] 4.1
Architecture [0158] 4.1.1 Static Information [0159] 4.1.2 Dynamic
Information [0160] 4.1.3 Feedback Information [0161] 4.2 Methods
for Dynamic Production of Advertisements [0162] 4.2.1 Overview
[0163] 4.2.2 Method for Dynamic Production of Advertisements [0164]
4.2.3 Methods Testing Effect of Independent Variables [0165] 4.2.4
Example [0166] 4.2.5 Benefits
[0167] 5. Example Implementations [0168] 5.1. Combination Power
Charger and Ad Measurement Apparatus
[0169] 6. Conclusion
[0170] A. Appendix A [0171] A.1 Overview of Exemplary
Implementation of Invention [0172] A.2 Overall System of Exemplary
Implementation [0173] A.2.1 Architecture [0174] A.2.2 Method [0175]
A.2.3 Formats/Interfaces [0176] A.3 Measurement of Advertisement
Viewed [0177] A.3.1 PC Advertisement Measurement [0178] A.3.1.1
Local WD Program [0179] A.3.1.2 Local PC Program [0180] A.3.2 TV
Advertisement Measurement [0181] A.3.2.1 Local WD Program [0182]
A.3.2.2 Local STB Program [0183] A.3.3 Web Server Program [0184]
A.3.4 Web DB Program [0185] A.3.5 Panel List Program [0186] A.4
Measurement of Product Purchased [0187] A.4.1 Customer DB Program
[0188] A.5 Matching of Data [0189] A.5.1 Match Program [0190]
A.5.1.1 Description [0191] A.5.1.2 Inputs [0192] A.5.1.3 Processing
[0193] A.5.1.3.1 Algorithm [0194] A.5.1.3.2 Related Product
Purchases [0195] A.5.1.4 Outputs [0196] A.6 Analysis of Data [0197]
A.6.1 Analysis Program [0198] A.6.1.1 Description [0199] A.6.1.2
Inputs [0200] A.6.1.3 Processing [0201] A.6.1.3.1 Algorithm [0202]
A.6.1.3.2 Example [0203] A.6.1.4 Outputs
1. DATA PROCESSING UNIT
[0204] FIG. 70 depicts a block diagram of a Data Processing System
0000 that can be used to implement the entities described herein.
It is noted that the entities described herein may be implemented
using any number of data processing units and the configuration
actually used is implementation specific.
[0205] A Data Processing System 0000 may represent any type of
device which can process data, including, but not limited to: a
personal computer, a portable computer, a hand-held computer, a
personal digital assistant, a portable media device, a wireless
device, a "smart card," a server, a workstation, and/or a mainframe
computer. The type of data processing device used to implement the
entities described herein is implementation specific.
[0206] Any of these devices can communicate with each other
utilizing any protocol over any network, including, but not limited
to: HyperText Transport Protocol (HTTP), File Transport Protocol
(FTP), Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP), Post Office Protocol
(POP), and/or Internet Mail Access Protocol (IMAP) over a network,
e.g., the Internet.
[0207] Data Processing System 0000 can comprise one or more
components, including, but not limited to: any communications
medium, wired and/or wireless (e.g., a bus) 0002 or any other means
of transmitting and/or receiving data among components; a general-
or special-purpose Processor or any other means of processing data
0004; a Random Access Memory (RAM) Device 0006 coupled to Bus 0002
capable of storing data and instructions executed by Processor 0004
or temporary variables or other intermediate data during the
execution of instructions by Processor 0004; a Read-Only Memory
(ROM) Device 0008 coupled to Bus 0002 capable of storing data and
instructions executed by Processor 0004; a Mass Storage Device 0010
(which can be a non-removable device, e.g., a hard disk drive, or a
removable device, e.g., a floppy disk drive, a compact disc drive,
a tape drive, a magneto-optical disc drive, or a chip, e.g., a chip
as part of a subscriber identity module (SIM) card) coupled to Bus
0002 or Data Processing System 0000 capable of storing data and
instructions executed by Processor 0004; a Display Device 0020
coupled to Bus 0002 or Data Processing System 0000 capable of
displaying data to a computer user; a Keyboard Device 0022 coupled
to Bus 0002 or Data Processing System 0000 capable of communicating
data and/or enabling command selection to Processor 0004; a
Pointing Device 0024 coupled to Bus 0002 or Data Processing System
0000 capable of communicating direction information and/or enabling
command selection to Processor 0004; an I-O Device 0026 (which can
enable any other type of input and/or output) coupled to Bus 0002
or Data Processing System 0000 capable of communicating direction
information and/or enabling command selection to Processor 0004;
and/or a Communications Interface 0014 coupled to Bus 0002 or
Computer System 0000 capable of accessing other computers through a
local area network (LAN) 0030 and/or a wide area network (WAN)
0032, e.g., the Internet. Processor 0004 can reside at a single
physical location or be distributed across a multiple physical
locations, e.g., on one client and one server. The present
invention defines Memory 0012 to include any device coupled to Bus
0002 capable of storing data and/or instructions executed by
Processor 0004, including, but not limited to: RAM Device 0006, ROM
Device 0008, Mass Storage Device 0010, a data cache, a data object,
and/or any other type of short-term or long-term storage device.
While prior art typically refers to memory and storage separately,
the present invention defines memory to include storage. Memory
0012 can reside at a single physical location or be distributed
across multiple physical locations. The instructions can include
code from any computer-programming language and/or scripts,
including, but not limited to: C, C++, Basic, Java, JavaScript,
Pascal, Perl, Smalltalk, Structured Query Language (SQL), VBScript,
and/or Visual Basic. Communications Interface 0014 can include a
modem, a network interface card, and/or any other device capable of
coupling Data Processing System 0000 to any LAN 0030 and/or WAN
0032. Communications Interface 0014 can include an antenna enabling
wireless communication utilizing any wireless protocol with LAN
0030 and/or WAN 0032. The present invention defines an Antenna to
include any of the components necessary to transmit and/or receive
an electromagnetic signal, e.g., a radio signal. Such components
can include not only a physical material capable of conducting such
a signal, but also any component which can perform any function
needed to process such signal, including, but not limited to:
modulation, demodulation, spreading, despreading, analog-to-digital
(A/D) conversion, digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, compression,
decompression, upconversion, and/or downconversion. LAN 0030 and/or
WAN 0032 can enable communication through a wired, wireless, or
combination of wired and wireless signals. Keyboard 0022 can
include any device enabling an user of Data Processing System 0000
to input any alphanumeric character, including, but not limited to
a Keyboard connected to a Personal Computer, and/or a Keypad
connected to or integrated with a Wireless Device. An I-O Device is
any device attached to and/or integrated with a Data Processing
System 0000 which can enable such system to communicate with
another device.
[0208] Computer program product interfaces are devices that access
objects (such as information and/or software) stored in computer
program products. Examples of computer program product interfaces
include, but are not limited to, floppy drives, CD drives, DVD
drives, ZIP drives, JAZ drives, optical storage devices, etc.
[0209] Data Processing System 0000 can implement any or all of the
steps of the methods described herein through programmable logic,
hard-wired logic, any combination of programmable and hard-wired
logic, or any other type of logic.
[0210] Control logic or software may be stored in Memory 0012
and/or computer program products. In one embodiment, Data
Processing System 0000 can have Processor 0004 or multiple
Processors 0004 execute one or more instructions stored in RAM
0006. RAM 0006 can retrieve the instructions from any other
Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium, e.g., Mass Storage
0010. In another embodiment, Data Processing System 0000 can have
Processor 0004 or multiple Processors 0004 execute one or more
instructions that are predefined or hard-wired. In another
embodiment, Data Processing System 0000 can have Processor 0004 or
multiple Processors 0004 execute one or more instructions utilizing
a combination of programmable and hard-wired logic.
[0211] In one embodiment, the steps in any of the present methods
are embodied in machine-executable instructions. The present
invention can process instructions using one or more techniques,
including, but not limited to: utilizing one or more general- or
special-purpose processors programmed with the instructions to
execute the steps in any of the present methods, equivalent or
related steps, other or additional steps, or any subset thereof;
utilizing one or more hardware components that contain hardwired
logic to execute the steps in any of the present methods,
equivalent or related steps, other or additional steps, or any
subset thereof; or utilizing any combination of programmed
processors and/or hardware components to execute the steps in any
of the present methods, equivalent or related steps, other or
additional steps, or any subset thereof. The software can execute
on any type of hardware located at or distributed among any entity,
including, but not limited to: an Advertiser, a Media Operator, a
Media Device, a Wireless Device, a Retailer, or a Third Party.
[0212] In general, a "computer program product" comprises any of
the functions enabling the execution of the methods described in
the present invention. When loaded in a Data Processing System
0000, in general, or a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium,
in particular, a computer program product can execute the functions
of the present invention as described herein and cause a computer,
general- or special-purpose processor, and/or other hardware to
execute any of the steps described herein.
[0213] The computer- or machine-readable or -accessible medium can
include, but is not limited to: floppy disks, magnetic disks,
optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, ROM, RAM,
programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable
read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic or optical cards, or any other
type of media or computer- or machine-readable or -accessible media
capable of storing instructions ("Computer/Machine
Readable/Accessible Medium").
[0214] The functionality described herein can be distributed and/or
downloaded as a computer program product. Methods described herein
can be distributed from a remote computer, e.g., a server, to
another computer, e.g., a client, through any wired and/or wireless
channel over a network, e.g., the Internet.
2. MEASURING USER VIEWING OF AND RESPONSE TO ADVERTISEMENTS
[0215] At a high level, a system for measuring user viewing of and
response to advertisements includes an user response measurement
system (URMS) and multiple media channel measurement system
(MMCMS). First, the URMS is a system for measuring if, through what
media device, when, and/or where a wireless device user views an
advertisement and/or if, when, how, and/or to what degree such user
responds to the advertisement. As used herein, the present
invention defines viewing as any activity where an user receives
and/or transmits an advertisement and/or media program, including,
but not limited to: reading, seeing, hearing, touching, smelling,
interacting in any other manner, or any combination thereof, an
advertisement and/or media program. The URMS can be a system that
focuses on measuring if, through what media device, when, and/or
where a wireless device user views an advertisement and
interoperates with another system measuring if, when, how, and/or
to what degree the user responds to such advertisement.
Alternatively, the URMS can be a system that focuses on measuring
if, when, how, and/or to what degree the user responds to an
advertisement and interoperates with another system measuring if,
through what media device, when, and/or where the user views an
advertisement. Second, the MMCMS is a system and related methods
for a wireless device to measure if, through what media device,
when, and/or where a wireless user views an advertisement
distributed through any media channel.
[0216] The URMS can incorporate data collected by the MMCMS to
measure if, through what media device, when, and/or where a
wireless user views an advertisement through any media channel. The
present invention, in particular the URMS and MMCMS, addresses one
of the main objectives of advertisers, i.e., measuring how an user
actually responds to an advertisement, elements of an
advertisement, and/or versions of an element, rather than trying to
determine an user's preferences of the advertisement, elements,
and/or versions by asking them to take some explicit action. By
recording how an user responds to advertisements and/or aggregating
the preferences of groups of users, the URMS and MMCMS can measure
the advertising preferences of users.
2.1 ARCHITECTURE
[0217] FIG. 1 depicts a high-level functional block diagram of a
System 0090 enabling an advertiser to track user viewing of and/or
response to an Advertisement, according to embodiments of the
present invention. System 0090 may include one or more Advertiser
Systems 0100, one or more Media Operators 0104, one or more Media
Devices 0110, one or more Third Party Servers 0150, one or more
Wireless Devices 0120, one or more Point-Of-Sale Systems 0130,
and/or one or more Retailer Servers 0140.
[0218] In one embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 is one or more
Data Processing Systems or servers that can transmit either
directly or indirectly through a Media Operator 0104 an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 to Media Device 0110 and/or
receive data from such Media Device 0110. In another embodiment,
Advertiser System 0100 is configured to provide Advertisements
and/or associated Ad Data Codes 0200 directly to Wireless Device
0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 and/or receive data from such
devices. Advertisements and Ad Data Codes 0200 are described in
further detail in Section 2.1.1 below.
[0219] In one embodiment, Wireless Device 0120 transmits
information (e.g., an user response score) to an Advertiser System
0100 through a variety of methods, including, but not limited to:
transmitting the information through a wireless connection, e.g.,
Antenna 0322 or Antenna 0324 to Wireless Base Station 0302 for
transmission through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
and/or a WAN, e.g., the Internet, to Advertiser System 0100; and/or
transmitting the information through a wired connection, e.g.,
Synchronization Device 0326 to a Personal Computer 0308 or
Television 0304 for transmission through the Internet and/or PSTN
to Advertiser System 0100. Wireless Device 0120 can transmit the
information to Advertiser System 0100 through the browser of
Wireless Device 0120, the email application of Wireless Device
0120, the text messaging application of Wireless Device 0120, or
any other means of transmitting information that will be readily
apparent to any person with ordinary skill in the art.
[0220] Advertiser System 0100 is operated by or on behalf of one or
more Advertisers. An Advertiser is any entity that produces,
distributes, and/or sells an Advertisement and/or finances the
production, distribution, and/or sale of an Advertisement. An
Advertiser can include, but is not limited to: the vendor of the
goods and/or services, including retailing services (collectively
"Products") advertised; an advertising agency and/or production
company that produces an Advertisement on behalf of the Advertiser;
a media planning and/or buying company that purchases and/or
distributes advertising on behalf of the Advertiser; the media
channel, e.g., a television network or web site that distributes an
Advertisement; and/or a Third Party. While one or more servers that
can constitute Advertiser System 0100 may be owned or operated by a
Third Party, e.g., a Web hosting vendor, the present invention
still defines Advertiser System 0100 as operated by or on behalf of
one or more Advertisers as long as Advertiser System 0100 can
transmit an Advertisement.
[0221] Media Device 0110 is any Data Processing System that can
display an Advertisement and/or transmit Ad Data Code 0200 to
Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122. Media Devices
0110 are described in further detail in Section 2.1.2 below.
[0222] Wireless Device 0120 is a Data Processing System that is
configured to receive and/or transmit through a wireless
connection, store, and/or process any type of data, including, but
not limited to, text, voice, audio, music, image, animation, video,
or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, a Wireless
Device 0120 can receive from and/or transmit to a Media Device 0110
data through a wired connection, e.g., a universal serial bus (USB)
cable.
[0223] Wireless Device 0120 is configured to measure if the user of
the Wireless Device 0120 views an Advertisement on Media Device
0110 and/or purchases a Product promoted in the Advertisement
(e.g., at Point-Of-Sale System 0130).
[0224] In one embodiment, the Wireless Device 0120 can include a
Portable Media Device and non-Portable Media Devices. A Portable
Media Device is a Data Processing System that can receive and/or
transmit through a wired and/or wireless connection, store,
process, and/or play any type of media, including, but not limited
to, text, voice, audio, music, image, animation, video, or any
combination thereof. Examples of the device can include, but are
not limited to: a portable music player (e.g., MP3 player); a
portable video player; a portable text player, a portable video
game player; personal digital assistants and/or a portable player
capable of receiving, transmitting, storing, processing, and/or
playing any media.
[0225] The portion of the system illustrating Media Devices 0110
and Wireless Device 0120 is described in further detail in Section
2.1.2 below.
[0226] Non-Wireless Device 0122 is a Data Processing System
configured to measure viewing of an Advertisement and/or response
by an Advertisement by an user. Non-Wireless Device 0122 can
include one or more I-O Devices and an URMS 0350. For example,
Non-Wireless Device 0122 may include one or more of the I-O Devices
described in Section 2.1.2.2.1 below. For example, Non-Wireless
Device 0122 can be a Personal Computer which an user cannot take
with him or her when the user changes geographical location with:
(a) a wired connection to a network, e.g., the Internet, including,
but not limited to: a cable modem, digital subscriber line modem,
or a broadband power line modem; and/or (b) a wireless connection
to a network, e.g., the Internet, including, but not limited to:
any wireless protocols described herein.
[0227] Point-Of-Sale (POS) System 0130 is a Data Processing System
configured to execute the sale of one or more Products. In one
embodiment, POS System 0130 is operated by a Retailer. If the
Retailer is a physical retailer, POS System 0130 may comprise an
optional Code Reader 0132 and/or a Payment Device 0134.
[0228] Code Reader 0132 is a Data Processing System configured to
read data from a Wireless Device 0120, an user of Wireless Device
0120, and/or the individual whose viewing of an Advertisement and
responses, including, but not limited to, purchasing of Products
promoted in the Advertisement and/or Intermediate Response to the
Advertisement an Advertiser wishes to track ("Target Customer").
The Target Customer can include an individual who does not use a
Wireless Device 0120. The present invention discusses in Section 3
systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products
enabling an Advertiser to measure viewing of an Advertisement
and/or the purchase of Products promoted in the Advertisement
without using a Wireless Device 0120. Code Reader 0132 can be
either fixed or mobile. Code Reader 0132 can read any data
transmitted from Wireless Device 0120 as well as data from a
barcode, a string of characters which can be converted into a
barcode, or any other form of data. Code Reader 0132 can read data
from any Data Processing System, including, but not limited to: a
Smart Card, and/or Wireless Device 0120. In another embodiment,
Code Reader 0132 can read data from any non-Data Processing System,
including, but not limited to: Products; and/or codes embedded in a
paper-based check, e.g., a check reader utilized by some
Retailers.
[0229] Payment Device 0134 is a Data Processing System configured
to exchange data with a device, (e.g., a Smart Card or Wireless
Device 0120) utilizing any wired and/or wireless standard. In one
embodiment, Payment Device 0134 can exchange data with any device
(e.g., Wireless Device 0120) utilizing any contactless standard,
which can include, but is not limited to, near field communications
(NFC). In one embodiment, Payment Device 0134 includes a NFC Device
1400 that can exchange data between Payment Device 0134 and
Wireless Device 0120. In another embodiment, Payment Device 0134
can exchange data with any device (e.g., Wireless Device 0120)
utilizing any short-range wireless standard (described in Section
2.1.2.2.1), which can include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth,
HomeRF, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.3a or ultra wideband (UWB),
infrared, wireless IEEE 1394, or Wireless USB. In the present
embodiment, Payment Device 0134 can exchange data between Payment
Device 0134 and Wireless Device 0120 by utilizing any device,
including, but not limited to, Infrared Device or Transceiver 0330,
Bluetooth Antenna 0324, radio frequency identification (RFID)
Antenna 0334, NFC Antenna 0338, and/or I-O Device 0339.
[0230] NFC Antenna 0338 is any device that can enable a device,
e.g., a Wireless Device 0120, to exchange data wirelessly with
another device utilizing standards including, but not limited to:
the NFC standard (ISO 18092, ISO 21481, ECMA (340, 352, and 356),
ETSI TS 102 190, and any equivalent or successor standards. In
another embodiment, such device can include any other device able
to exchange data wirelessly with another machine utilizing any
other contactless standards, i.e., any standard enabling wireless
data exchange over very short distances (or even in physical
contact) and in an unregulated RF band, e.g., 13.56 MHz. These
other standards can include, but are not limited to: ISO 14443 for
contactless integrated circuit proximity cards, ISO 15693 for
contactless integrated circuit vicinity cards, or any equivalent or
successor standard to ISO 14443, ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, ISO
18092, ISO 21481, ECMA (340, 352, and 356), or ETSI TS 102 190.
[0231] In another embodiment, POS System 0130 can include the
capability of reading any type of form, either electronic- or
non-electronic-based, that can include data indicating the purchase
of a Product. Exemplary forms include, but are not limited to: a
paper-based check issued by a financial institution enabling the
withdrawal of funds from an account at the financial institution;
an electronic-based check issued by a financial institution
enabling the withdrawal of funds from an account at the financial
institution; and/or a form issued by an Advertiser and/or a Third
Party financing the purchase of a Product offered by Advertiser,
which is executed by an user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or the
Target Customer, e.g., a loan document executed by the user and/or
Target Customer. POS System 0130 can read the data on a form that
is electronic-based, e.g., where an automobile dealer can input
into a Personal Computer the name and/or other personally
identifiable information about the user of Wireless Device 0120
and/or the Target Customer. POS System 0130 can read the data on a
form that is non-electonic-based, e.g., by electronically scanning
a check written by the user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or the
Target Customer utilizing any method readily apparent to any person
with ordinary skill in the art, or electronically scanning a
paper-based form into a scanner for conversion into digital form
that can be read by a Personal Computer.
[0232] In another embodiment, POS System 0130 can include the
capability of enabling an user of Wireless Device 0120, the Target
Customer, and/or an individual operating POS System 0130 to input
into any I-O Device of such POS System 0130 the name and/or other
personally identifiable information about the user of Wireless
Device 0120 and/or the Target Customer. In the present embodiment,
POS System 0130 can be a device that includes, but is not limited
to: an automated teller machine (ATM); a Personal Computer with a
Keyboard Device 0022 into which the user of Wireless Device 0120,
the Target Customer, and/or an individual operating POS System 0130
can input such data; and/or a Personal Computer with a
touch-sensitive Display on which the user of Wireless Device 0120,
the Target Customer, and/or an individual operating POS System 0130
can input such data.
[0233] By enabling the reading of any type of form, either
electronic- or non-electronic-based and/or inputting of any type of
data, the present invention can expand the scope of Products whose
purchases can be measured in response to an Advertisement to those
Products which consumers typically purchase with means other than a
credit/debit card. For example, most consumers purchase an
automobile by making a down payment in the form of a check or
executing a loan with a financial institution.
[0234] In an online retailer, POS System 0130 can comprise one or
more components, including, but not limited to, Payment Device
0134, which can exchange payment data through any network, e.g.,
the Internet, with any device, e.g., Wireless Device 0120 through
an Internet connection, or Personal Computer 0308 or STB 0500
through an Internet connection.
[0235] POS System 0130 can exchange data with Retailer Server 0140
through a wired and/or wireless connection.
[0236] Retailer Server 0140 is a Data Processing System configured
to transmit to, receive from, and/or process information received
from a POS System 0130. A Retailer and/or a Third Party can operate
Retailer Server 0140. In general, a Retailer is an entity that can
sell a Product to an user through any Retail Channel. A Retail
Channel is any type of channel through which an user can purchase a
Product, including, but not limited to: a physical retailer, which
is any entity that can sell a Product at a physical location,
examples of which can include, but is not limited to: a
supermarket, a mass merchandiser, a drugstore, a dealer (e.g., an
automobile dealer), a manufacturer (e.g., a company that owns
and/or operates a store that sells Products it manufactures), an
outlet store, a store which can sell services, a financial
institution (e.g., a bank branch or ATM), and/or a movie theater;
an online retailer; a purchase order made through a phone call,
e.g., a toll-free telephone number; or physical delivery of a
purchase order, e.g., mail-order.
[0237] In one embodiment, Retailer Server 0140 includes one or more
databases. In one embodiment, Retailer Server 0140 includes one or
more of the following databases: a Price Lookup ("PLU") Database, a
Transaction Database, and/or a Customer Database. As would be
appreciated by persons of skill in the art, Retailer Server 0140
may include or access other databases, as required.
[0238] The portion of the system illustrating POS System 0130 and
Retailer Server 0140 is described in further detail in Section
2.1.3 below.
[0239] Third Party Server 0150 is a Data Processing System
configured to exchange data with any device in the present
invention, including, but not limited to: Media Device 0110,
Wireless Device 0120, POS System 0130, Retailer Server 0140, and/or
Advertiser System 0100. The data can include, but is not limited to
Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts 1900, Ad Data File 0734, Ad
Reception File 0736, Ad Response File 0738, Payment Data File 0740,
and/or Matching Event File 0742. Any device can initiate a
transmission of the data to Third Party Server 0150 and/or Third
Party Server 0150 can initiate a request for the data from any
device. Third Party Server 0150 can exchange the data on any
schedule, including, but not limited to: whenever Wireless Device
0120 records an user viewing of an Advertisement; whenever Wireless
Device 0120 records an user purchase of a Product promoted in the
Advertisement; and/or at a regular schedule.
[0240] In one embodiment, a Third Party can operate Third Party
Server 0150. Unless otherwise noted, the present invention refers
to a Third Party as an entity that is not an Advertiser, Media
Operator 0104, or a Retailer which can receive, process, store,
and/or transmit data recording the viewing by an user of an
Advertisement transmitted to any Media Device 0110 and/or the
purchasing by the user of the Product promoted in the Advertisement
in any Retail Channel.
[0241] UPC Database 0168 includes descriptive data associated with
Products. The descriptive data can be any format, including, but
not limited to, Universal Product Code (UPC), European Article
Numbering (EAN) system, Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN),
or any other format. Wireless Device 0120 can access UPC Database
0168 when such Device requires additional descriptive information.
A variety of parties can operate UPC Database 0168, which parties
can include, but are not limited to, the vendor of the Product
advertised, the Retailer of the Product advertised, the wireless
operator providing wireless service to Wireless Device 0120, and/or
an industry standards group.
[0242] The present invention can implement any of the databases
described herein entirely in hardware, entirely in software, and/or
any combination of software and/or hardware. An user at an
Advertiser can access data stored in one or more of the databases
described herein through any client, which can be any Data
Processing System 0000. Advertiser System 0100, Third Party Server
0150, Retailer Server 0140, or any other server can serve on
request any data from one or more of the databases to any user
utilizing any method readily apparent to any person with ordinary
skill in the art.
[0243] One or more of the databases described herein can support
structured and/or unstructured data based on extensible Markup
Language (XML) or any equivalent or successor language. The present
invention can enable an Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party
Server 0150 utilizing any method readily apparent to any person
with ordinary skill in the art to extract, clean, transform, and/or
summarize data from any database to load data into a data warehouse
and/or integrate such data into an enterprise database system. For
example, an Advertiser System 0100 can analyze data from one or
more Retailer Servers 0140 and extract, clean, transform, and/or
summarize data from any Transaction Database in such servers to
load such data into a data warehouse, which an user at an
Advertiser System 0100 can more easily access utilizing any online
analytical processing (OLAP) and data mining tools readily apparent
to any person with ordinary skill in the art.
[0244] A Media Operator 0104 is any entity that operates,
distributes, and/or transmits a Media Program to any Media Device
0110, including, but not limited to: a Television 0304, whose means
of receiving an Advertisement can include, but is not limited to,
terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, or any other
means of wireless transmission, and/or wired transmission, e.g.,
cable, telephony, or utility; a Radio 0306, whose means of
receiving an Advertisement can include, but is not limited to,
terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, or wired
transmission; a Personal Computer 0308, whose means of receiving an
Advertisement can include wired and/or wireless networks utilizing
any type of protocol, e.g., Internet Protocol (IP); a Wireless
Device 0120 or Wireless Device 0316; a Portable Media Player; an
Outdoor Media Device 0310; a Print publication 0312; and/or Product
Package 0314. A Media Operator 0104 can sell and/or lease a Media
Location to any Advertiser. For example, the present invention
defines a Media Operator 0104 which can operate a server that can
transmit a Media Program and/or an Advertisement to a Personal
Computer 0308 or any other Media Device 0110 utilizing any type of
protocol, e.g., IP, as an Internet Operator.
[0245] Throughout the present application, the systems, methods,
apparatuses, and/or computer program products typically teach how
an Advertiser can transmit an Advertisement to a Media Operator
0104, which can then transmit the Advertisement to a Media Device
0110 for viewing by an user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or a Target
Customer. The present application does not intend to limit the
present invention or any of its systems, methods, apparatuses,
and/or computer program products to the specific embodiment, but
can include any embodiment which enables the transmission of an
Advertisement to an user of Wireless Device 0120, an user of any
Media Device 0110, and/or a Target Customer, including, but not
limited to: an Advertiser transmitting the Advertisement directly
to a Media Device 0110 for viewing by an user of Wireless Device
0120 and/or a Target Customer; an Advertiser transmitting the
Advertisement directly to a Wireless Device 0120; an Advertiser
transmitting the Advertisement to a Third Party, which can transmit
the Advertisement to a Media Device 0110 for viewing by an user of
Wireless Device 0120 and/or a Target Customer; an Advertiser
transmitting the Advertisement to a Third Party, which can transmit
the Advertisement directly to a Wireless Device 0120; an Advertiser
transmitting the Advertisement to a Retailer, which can transmit
the Advertisement directly to a Wireless Device 0120; and/or an
user of any Media Device 0110 or Wireless Device 0120 transmitting
the Advertisement to another user of any Media Device 0110 or
Wireless Device 0120 (e.g., an user transmitting the Advertisement
as an attachment to an email, instant message, or text message).
The present invention can include any embodiment enabling the
transmission of an Advertisement to an user of Wireless Device
0120, an user of any Media Device 0110, and/or a Target Customer
regardless of whether the Advertiser initiates the transmission of
such Advertisement (e.g., in an email to an user or in a broadcast
to a Television 0304) or the user initiates the reception of such
Advertisement (e.g., where an aggregator in a Wireless Device 0120
or Media Device 0110 initiates a web feed utilizing Really Simple
Syndication (RSS), Atom, and/or any other equivalent or successor
syndication specification.
[0246] A Media Program is any type of content provided by or
property operated by a given Media Operator 0104 in which an user
can view an Advertisement. The content or property can include, but
is not limited to: (1) static content (which does not change over
the time period viewed by an user) provided or distributed by a
Media Operator 0104, e.g., a web page including information about
diabetes provided by an Internet Operator, a web page including
information associated with a given keyword generated by an
Internet search engine, an email delivered by an Internet Operator,
a text message delivered by a Wireless Operator, or a page in a
newspaper or magazine about diabetes published by a Newspaper or
Magazine Operator, respectively; (2) dynamic content (which can
change over the time period viewed by an user) provided or
distributed by a Media Operator 0104, e.g., a television program on
baseball provided by a television network, a video program or
podcast on baseball provided by an Internet Operator, or an audio
program on baseball provided by a Radio Operator; or (3) any
combination of static and dynamic content provided or distributed
by a Media Operator 0104, e.g., a web page including both static
and dynamic content.
[0247] A Media Location is any slot in which a Media Operator 0104
can place an Advertisement with any dimension, including, but not
limited to: space, time, embedded, any other dimension, or any
combination thereof. A space slot can include, but is not limited
to: a Web page; a section of a Web page; a keyword utilized by a
search engine; a word utilized in Internet content, e.g., a news
story; a section of a screen in a Television Advertisement; a page
in a Print publication; a section of a page in a Print publication;
an insert in a Print publication; or a section of Product Package.
A time slot can be any period of time in which a Media Operator
0104 can place an Advertisement. The time slot can be as short as a
few seconds to as long as an entire Media Program, e.g., where a
Media Operator 0104 can lease for an "infomercial" a block of time
typically reserved for an entire Media Program. An embedded slot
can include, but is not limited to: the display of a Product in a
Media Program or what is commonly referred to as "product
placement." A combination space-time slot can include, but is not
limited to: a space slot that is available for a certain period of
time, e.g., a rotating Advertisement available to different
Advertisers over time. An exemplary space-time slot can be a single
Outdoor Media Device 0310 that displays one Advertisement for one
time period and then displays another Advertisement for another
time period.
2.1.1 ADVERTISEMENT INFORMATION
[0248] Advertisement information includes an Advertisement and/or
its associated Ad Data Code 0200. An Advertisement is any type of
content aimed at persuading an user to buy Products and/or any
means of promoting a Product utilizing any data type, including,
but not limited to, text, audio, music, image, video, animation, or
any combination thereof. The Advertisement can be in electronic or
non-electronic form. An Advertisement can be a separate or discrete
program or file or embedded in another program or file. For
example, an Advertisement can be a separate 30-second Television
Advertisement promoting a specific Product or the use and/or
display of the Product in embedded in a television program, i.e.,
product placement. A product placement can be the use and/or
display of a product in any form of content, including, but not
limited to, an article that includes a reference to the Product, a
radio program that includes a reference or describing the use of
the Product, a television program in which the Product is used
and/or displayed, a film in which the Product is used and/or
displayed, or a video game in which the Product is used and/or
displayed. An Advertisement can include, but is not limited to, a
keyword, key phrase, text link, image link, audio link, video link,
banner, button, audio file, animation file, video file, or any
combination thereof.
[0249] An Advertisement can also be the use of the Product by an
endorser. For example, an Advertisement can be an item of apparel
worn by an athlete while performing featuring the trademark of a
provider of a Product. An Advertisement can promote a Product,
brand, and/or company. An Advertisement may provide incentives for
an user to buy a Product, e.g., a coupon. The user may be a
consumer or a business, i.e., the trade. The Product may be a good,
including a digital good like music in the form of an electronic
file or a non-digital good like an automobile, or a service, like a
checking account or a restaurant.
[0250] Ad Data Code 0200 is information provided by an Advertiser
describing the characteristics of an Advertisement that would
enable any system, method, apparatus, and/or computer program
product, e.g., a Wireless Device 0120, to measure if, when, how,
and/or to what degree an user responds to the Advertisement. FIG. 2
depicts exemplary Ad Data Code 0200. Ad Data Code 0200 can include
other data not pictured in FIG. 2 like the category of the Product
advertised. For example, the Advertiser field can describe not only
the Product by its name, e.g., the title of a book, but also the
category of the Product, book, or the sub-category of the Product,
comedy book.
[0251] In one embodiment, a group of Advertisers through a formal
group like an industry association, through an informal group, or
through advertising agencies can determine the format of Ad Data
Code 0200 ("Open Format Standard"). To enable the present invention
to match a value in Ad Data Code 0200 with a value in any other
type of data, e.g., a Payment Receipt 1900, a computer program
product that is part of System 0090 can process such Ad Data Code
0200 in a manner consistent with the Open Format Standard.
[0252] In another embodiment, each Advertiser can determine the
format of Ad Data Code 0200 in any manner it wishes ("Proprietary
Format Standard"). To enable the present invention to match a value
in Ad Data Code 0200 with a value in any other type of data, e.g.,
a Payment Receipt 1900, an Advertiser producing an Ad Data Code
0200 utilizing a Proprietary Format Standard can utilize any type
of file that defines how a computer program product can process an
Ad Data Code 0200. The present invention can support any type of
such file, including, but not limited to:
[0253] In one embodiment, the present invention can utilize a file
that can define the content of any file, e.g., Ad Data Code 0200,
and how a computer program product can process such content
("Document Format Definition" or DFD). An Advertiser transmitting
an Ad Data Code 0200 can transmit a DFD as part of the Ad Data Code
0200 or transmit a DFD separately from Ad Data Code 0200. Any
computer program product that is part of System 0090 can read a DFD
to determine how to process an Ad Data Code 0200 produced
consistent with any Proprietary Format Standard. The DFD can have
the capability to perform the same or similar functions as a
Document Type Definition (DTD) in XML.
[0254] In another embodiment, the present invention can utilize a
DTD to define the content of any file, e.g., Ad Data Code 0200, and
how a computer program product can process such content if an
Advertiser produces Ad Data Code 0200 utilizing XML.
[0255] In another embodiment, the present invention can utilize any
file developed by an Advertiser to define the content of any other
file, e.g., Ad Data Code 0200, and how a computer program product
can process such content.
[0256] The format of Ad Data Code 0200 can include any type of
attributes, e.g., name-value pairs where the code includes the name
of each variable and a value for such variable. For example, the
name of a variable can be the name of the Product, e.g.,
NAMEPRODUCT. An Advertiser can then assign to the variable the name
of the Product promoted in a given Advertisement described by an Ad
Data Code 0200. In another embodiment, an Advertiser can include
the values without assigning each value to a variable. Advertiser
can generate Ad Data Code 0200 in any format for transmission to
any Media Device 0110 and/or Wireless Device 0120. The format can
include, but is not limited to: rich text format (RTF), text ANSI
(TXT ANSI), text Unicode (TXT Unicode), hypertext markup language
(HTML), XML, portable document format (PDF), Microsoft Word (DOC),
Microsoft Excel (XLS), and/or Word for Macintosh Document
(MCW).
[0257] An Ad Data Code 0200 is a type of data which can be read by
a machine, including, but not limited to, data: (1) at least
similar to the data utilized by Advertisers and/or Retailers to
identify the Product promoted in the Advertisement, which can
include, but are not limited to: (a) the name of the Product;
and/or (b) the unique code utilized by Advertisers and/or Retailers
to identify the Product, which can include, but is not limited to:
(i) the UPC, e.g., UPC-A, UPC-E, and/or any successor standard;
(ii) the EAN, e.g., EAN-8, EAN-13, and/or any successor standard;
(iii) Japanese Article Numbering (JAN); (iv) the Uniform Code
Council (UCC) Coupon Code, EAN In-Store Coupon Code, other
country/region corresponding version, and/or any successor
standard; (v) Reduced Space Symbology (RSS), including, but not
limited to: RSS-14, RSS-14 Stacked, RSS-14 Stacked Omnidirectional,
RSS Expanded, RSS Expanded Stacked, RSS Truncated, and/or RSS
Limited; (vi) Code 39; (vi) CodaBar; (viii) Interleaved 2 of 5;
(vix) Discrete 2 of 5; (x) Code 93; (xi) Code 128; (xii) EAN/UCC
128; (xiii) POSTNET; (xiv) Facing Identification Mark (FIM); (xv)
British Post Office 4 State Code (BPO 4 State Code); (xvi) Portable
Data File 417 (PDF417); (xvii) QR Code; (xviii) Data Matrix; (xvix)
MaxiCode; (xx) Aztec Code; (xxi) MSI/Plessey; (xxii) the GTIN
and/or any successor standard; (xxiii) any stock keeping unit (SKU)
or other number assigned to a Product by Advertiser and/or
Retailer; and/or (xxiv) any Attribute for a given unique code,
e.g., certain Products like apparel items typically use Attributes
to distinguish different characteristics or styles of a given
Product; and/or (2) data uniquely identifying the Advertisement
promoting the Product.
[0258] In another embodiment, Ad Data Code 0200 can be any
additional type of data, including, but not limited to: data
identifying the Media Program in which an Advertiser placed the
Advertisement; data identifying the Media Location in which an
Advertiser placed the Advertisement; data providing an user an
incentive, including, but not limited to, a coupon, rebate, or
other form of economic incentive (collectively, "Response
Incentive"), to respond to the Advertisement, which responses can
include, but are not limited to: (a) any Intermediate Response;
and/or (b) any purchase of the Product; data describing any Element
of an Advertisement, as described in FIG. 58; and/or data
describing any Version of any Element of an Advertisement, as
illustrated in FIG. 59.
[0259] An Intermediate Response is any action by an user in
response to viewing an Advertisement short of buying the Product
promoted in the Advertisement. These actions can include, but are
not limited to: searching for the Product advertised, obtaining
information about the Product, searching for a Retailer which sells
the Product, visiting a Retailer which sells the Product, visiting
a department within a Retailer which sells the Product, reading the
package of the Product, and/or sampling the Product.
[0260] The unique code utilized by Advertiser and/or Retailers can
be in any form or data type, including, but not limited to: a
barcode; any string of characters which can be converted into a
barcode by software in a Wireless Device 0120; or data which can be
transmitted in a radio signal, e.g., RFID, and/or through a cable.
Ad Data Code 0200 can include any additional data provided by an
Advertiser to enable it to measure the effectiveness of the
Advertisement. An Advertiser can transmit to a Media Device 0110 an
Ad Data Code 0200 through a variety of means, including, but not
limited to: transmitting it separately from the Advertisement that
the Ad Data Code 0200 describes, and/or embedding or integrating
the Ad Data Code 0200 in the Advertisement.
[0261] A vendor of an Advertisement, an electronic ticket,
electronic coupon, content, or applications that can be transmitted
to a Wireless Device 0120 (collectively, "Wireless Content") can
produce an Ad Data Code 0200 or any comparable file or document
describing the characteristics of the Wireless Content in a variety
of formats, including, but not limited to, a standard format to
which most or all Advertisers can agree (as described in the prior
paragraph), and/or XML.
[0262] For example, an Advertiser can produce an Ad Data Code 0200
utilizing XML to produce an Ad Data Code 0200 that communicates
meta-information to a Wireless Device 0120 about its content. The
process for producing XML documents is well known to those with
ordinary skill in the art. The Advertiser can declare attributes
that describe the Wireless Content. XML permits an author to
identify the attributes of Wireless Content and the values the
attributes can hold. For example, the Advertiser producing an Ad
Data Code 0200 can declare an attribute of a Product name, which
would have a name-value pair where the name could equal "Product"
and the value could equal "NAMEPRODUCT." By declaring the
attributes, an Advertiser utilizing XML can enable the URMS 0350 to
process XML data and convert the data into an Ad File. In one
embodiment, the URMS 0350 and its Modules are configured to process
XML data.
2.1.2 MEDIA DEVICES--WIRELESS DEVICE
[0263] FIG. 3 depicts a portion of exemplary System 0090 including
Media Devices 0110 and Wireless Device 0120, according to
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 includes one or more
Media Devices 0110 and Wireless Device 0120.
[0264] A Media Device 0110 is any Data Processing System that can
perform one or more of the following functions: (1) receive and/or
display an Advertisement; (2) receive and/or display Ad Data Code
0200; (3) transmit Ad Data Code 0200 to Wireless Device 0120 and/or
Non-Wireless Device 0122; and/or (4) transmit any data to
Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party Server 0150. Examples of
Media Devices 0110 can include a Television 0304, a Radio 0306, a
Personal Computer 0308, a portable media player, an Outdoor Media
Device 0130, a Print publication 0312, Product Package 0314, Other
Wireless Device 0316, or Wireless Device 0120. As would be
appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in the art, an
advertisement response measurement system can use other types of
Media Devices. A Media Device 0110 can be in any location such as a
home, an automobile, an office, a school, an elevator, an outdoor
platform, a retailer, and/or carried by an user of a Wireless
Device 0120. Media Devices 0110 are described in further detail in
Section 2.1.2.1, below.
[0265] A Wireless Device such as Wireless Device 0120 and Other
Wireless Device 0316 is a device that can transmit and/or receive
information wirelessly to and/or from other devices and which an
user can take with him or her when the user changes geographical
location. Exemplary Wireless Devices include, but are not limited
to, a wireless phone, portable computer, personal digital
assistant, email device, camera, portable game player, watch,
pager, or any device that combines any of these functions. Wireless
Device 0120 includes devices attached to or integrated with it that
can receive and/or transmit from and/or to other devices,
respectively, an Advertisement, Ad Data Code 0200, a response to an
Advertisement, Static Information, Dynamic Information, Feedback
Information, and/or any other communication through either a
wireless or wired connection. Wireless Device 0120 is described in
further detail in Section 2.1.2.2, below.
2.1.2.1 Media Devices
[0266] As described above, System 0090 can include one or more
Media Devices 0110. The following section describes exemplary Media
Devices 0110 which can be used in System 0090. FIG. 4 depicts one
or more of these exemplary Media Devices 0110 and their respective
I-O Devices which may be used in System 0090, according to
embodiments of the present invention. As would be appreciated by
persons with ordinary skill in the art, System 0090 can include
other Media Devices 0110 as required.
[0267] A Television 0304 is any type of Data Processing System that
can receive video programming via a wired or wireless connection to
a provider of the programming. A Television 0304 can include any
integrated or attached device that can enable other capabilities
including, but not limited to, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a
digital video recorder (DVR) and/or a digital video disc (DVD)
player. Exemplary wired connections can include, but are not
limited to, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, utility, and/or a
copper wire. Exemplary wireless connections can include, but are
not limited to, a terrestrial system like a broadcast television
network, a satellite system, and/or a wireless WAN, e.g., one based
on 802.16. The video programming can be in analog or digital form.
A content provider or content distributor can distribute video
programming to a Television 0304 over a dedicated connection or
divide the video programming into packets, distribute them over
different routes to a Television 0304, and reassemble them at the
Television 0304. Such packet-based video programming can be based
on IP or any other kind of protocol that can route packets over a
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0268] Television 0304 includes one or more I-O Devices. FIG. 4
depicts exemplary Television I-O Devices including, but not limited
to a Speaker 0402, an Antenna 0404, a Synchronization Device/Port
0406, Infrared Device 0408, and/or an Antenna 0409. The Antenna I-O
Device 0404 is configured to transmit and/or receive signals
utilizing any wireless protocol such as Bluetooth or any other
short-range wireless protocol, or any other wireless protocol. In
one embodiment, the Synchronization I/O Device/Port 0406 is a USB
host device. Alternate embodiments include a device communicating
with another port through a wire using any cable standard,
including, but not limited to, UART, USB, and RS-232. Antenna 0409
can transmit to and/or receive from another Antenna through a very
short-range radio signal utilizing NFC and/or any other contactless
standard.
[0269] Television 0304 can transmit through its I-O Devices to
Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200. Television 0304 may also
receive, through its I-O Devices, from Wireless Device 0120 and/or
Non-Wireless Device 0122 any communication, including, but not
limited to, a response to an Advertisement, a message indicating
Wireless Device 0120 user is viewing Television 0304 or Wireless
Device 0120 I-O Devices utilizing any short-range and/or very
short-range wireless protocols are within range of Television 0304,
Static Information 6930 (described in FIG. 69), Dynamic Information
6932, and/or Feedback Information 6960.
[0270] The present system and methods can apply, in general, to any
Media Device 0110 that can display an Advertisement, and
specifically, to any device that can control the reception,
storage, processing, and/or transmission of signals, including, but
not limited to, a set-top box (STB) for a Television, or any
corresponding device for other Media Devices 0110. In addition, the
present system and methods can apply, in general, to any Media
Device 0110 with one or more I-O Devices capable of exchanging data
with a Wireless Device 0120.
[0271] A STB is another type of Media Device 0110 which can be used
in System 0090. In one embodiment, the present invention considers
a combination of the STB and a Television a Media Device 0110. In
another embodiment, the present invention considers a STB by itself
a Media Device 0110. FIG. 5 depicts a functional block diagram of
an exemplary STB 0500, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0272] STB 0500 is any type of Data Processing System configured to
receive, store, process, and/or transmit Television signals. In one
embodiment, STB 0500 is a digital STB capable of: (1) enabling
Television Set 0560 to receive, decode, and/or display digital
Television signals; and/or (2) enabling an user to transmit and/or
receive data to and/or from a network, e.g., the Internet. In
another embodiment, STB 0500 is an analog STB. STB 0500 include a
CPU 0510, Video Processor 0512, URMS Module 0516, and one or more
interfaces 0530-0538 enabling STB 0500 to exchange data with
Wireless Device 0120 through the I-O Devices of STB 0500 and
Wireless Device 0120.
[0273] CPU 0510 is a Processor capable of processing data and
instructions, reading from and/or storing to Memory 0514; receiving
data from any input, including, but not limited to, Television
Antenna 0520, Cable Television I-O Device 0522, and/or Satellite
Television I-O Device 0524; transmitting data to Video Processor
0512; and/or transmitting data to any output interface, including,
but not limited to, Audio Interface 0530, Smart Card Interface
0532, Bluetooth Interface 0534, Wired Interface 0536, and/or IrDA
Interface 0538
[0274] Video Processor 0512 is a Processor capable of receiving a
signal from any input, including, but not limited to, Television
Antenna 0520; Cable Television I-O Device 0522, which can receive a
signal from any type of cable, including, but not limited to,
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, digital subscriber line (DSL)
cable, and/or copper cable; and/or Satellite Television I-O Device
0524; decoding the signal; processing the signal; and/or
transmitting any type of output signal directly to Television Set
0560, indirectly to Television Set 0560 through one or more video
encoders (not shown), or to other devices, e.g., a VCR or DVR. The
signal can be any type of signal, including, but not limited to: an
analog video signal, and/or a digital audio and video signal. In
another embodiment, one or more separate devices, e.g., one or more
decoders (not shown), can receive, demodulate, decompress, and/or
decode the signal before transmitting the signal to Video Processor
0512. The decoders, either separately or as part of Video Processor
0512, can include, but are not limited to: (1) a Motion Picture
Experts Group (MPEG) decoder, which can implement any MPEG or
non-MPEG compression standard; and/or (2) an analog decoder, which
can implement any analog standard, including, but not limited to,
the National Television System Committee (NTSC) standard, the Phase
Alternate Line (PAL) standard, and/or NTSC/PAL standard. In another
embodiment, any input device, including, but not limited to,
Television Antenna 0520, Cable Television I-O Device 0522,
Satellite Television I-O Device 0524, or Wireless Cable I-O Device
(not shown), can transmit a return signal from STB 0500 to a
Television Operator.
[0275] Memory 0514, which can store any data and instructions
executed by Processor 0510, including, but not limited to, URMS
0516. Memory 0514 can have the same capabilities as Memory
0012.
[0276] URMS 0516 is configured to perform one or more of the
functions performed by URMS 0350. In an embodiment, LRMS 0516 can
receive, process, store, and/or transmit any data, including, but
not limited to, data in: Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts 1900,
Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, Payment Data File 0740,
and/or Matching Event File 0742.
[0277] Communication interfaces include an Audio Interface 0530, a
Smart Card Interface 0532, a Bluetooth Interface 0534, a Wired
Interface 0536, and an Infrared Interface 0538. As would be
appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in the art, the
present invention can use additional or alternative communication
interfaces.
[0278] Audio Interface 0530 is configured to enable STB 0500 to
exchange data with Wireless Device 0120 through Speaker 0550 and
Microphone 0328. In one embodiment, STB 0500 can encode data into a
sound wave transmitted from Speaker 0550 to Microphone 0328.
[0279] Smart Card Interface 0532 is configured to enable STB 0500
to exchange data with Wireless Device 0120 through Antenna 0552 and
NFC Antenna 0338. In one embodiment, STB 0500 can encode data into
a radio signal transmitted from Antenna 0552 to NFC Antenna 0338.
STB 0500 can transmit the signal utilizing the NFC, any equivalent,
and/or other contactless standard.
[0280] Bluetooth Interface 0534 is configured to enable STB 0500 to
exchange data with Wireless Device 0120 through Antenna 0554 and
Antenna 0324. In one embodiment, STB 0500 can encode data into a
radio signal transmitted from Antenna 0554 to Antenna 0324. STB
0500 can transmit the signal utilizing the Bluetooth, any
equivalent, and/or other short-range wireless standard.
[0281] Wired Interface 0536 is configured to enable STB 0500 to
exchange data with Wireless Device 0120 through Port 0556 and Port
0326. In one embodiment, STB 0500 can encode data into a carrier
signal transmitted through a cable attached to Port 0556 and Port
0326. The Interface can support one or more standards, including,
but not limited to: RS-232, serial universal asynchronous
receiver-transmitter (UART), USB, IEEE 1394, Inter-Integrated
Circuit ("I2C") bus, or any other cable standard.
[0282] Infrared (IRDA) Interface 0538 is configured to enable STB
0500 to exchange data with Wireless Device 0120 through IrDA
Transceiver 0538 and IrDA Transceiver 0330. In one embodiment, STB
0500 can encode data into a radio signal operating in the infrared
frequency spectrum from IrDA Transceiver 0538 to IrDA Transceiver
0330. STB 0500 can transmit the signal utilizing the IrDA or any
equivalent standard.
[0283] STB 0500 is coupled to Television Set 0560, which can
receive any type of video input, including, but not limited to:
Component Video Signal 0570, S-Video Signal 0572, Composite Video
Signal 0574, and/or Digital Video Signal (not pictured)
(collectively, "Video Signal"). Television Set 0560 can display in
any video programming an Ad Data Code 0200. Television Set 0560 can
include any type of display device, including, but not limited to:
cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or plasma
panel (collectively, "TV Display Device"). In one embodiment, the
present invention can embed Ad Data Code 0200 in a Video Signal in
the form of a barcode 0580 displayed on the screen of Television
Set 0560.
[0284] In another embodiment, the STB 0500 or similar Media Device
0110 can include additional components to enable an user of
Wireless Device 0120 to respond to an Advertisement viewed on
Television Set 0560. These additional components can include, but
are not limited to, DSL or Cable Modem 0526, which can transmit
and/or receive data to and/or from, respectively, a Television
Operator utilizing any standard, including, but not limited to,
Digital Video Broadcasting Return Channel for Cable (DVB-RCC);
Antenna 0520, which can transmit and/or receive data to and/or
from, respectively, a Television Operator utilizing any standard,
including, but not limited to, Digital Video Broadcasting Return
Channel for Terrestrial Broadcasting (DVB-RCT); Cable Television
I-O Device 0522, which can transmit and/or receive data to and/or
from, respectively, a Television Operator utilizing any standard,
including, but not limited to, DVB-RCC; Satellite Television I-O
Device 0524, which can transmit and/or receive data to and/or from,
respectively, a Television Operator utilizing any standard; and/or
Wireless Cable I-O Device (not shown), which can transmit and/or
receive data to and/or from, respectively, a Television Operator
utilizing a microwave distribution system, e.g., a multipoint
microwave distribution system (MMDS).
[0285] A Radio 0306 can receive an Advertisement and/or Ad Data
Code 0200 via terrestrial broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, or
a wired transmission. Radio 0306 includes one or more I-O Devices.
FIG. 4 depicts exemplary Radio I-O Devices including, but not
limited to, an Antenna 0412, Speaker 0414, Infrared Device 0418,
Synchronization Device/Port 0416, and/or RFID Antenna (not shown).
Antenna 0412 is configured to transmit and/or receive signals
utilizing any wireless protocol with the preferred embodiment being
Bluetooth, an alternative embodiment being 802.11, and alternative
embodiments being any other wireless protocol. In one embodiment,
the Synchronization I-O Device 0416 is a USB host device. Alternate
embodiments include a device communicating with another device
through any other port, including, but not limited to, UART, USB,
and RS-232. The RFID I-O Device (not shown) can support NFC or any
comparable standard enabling very short-range communication.
[0286] Radio 0306 can transmit through its I-O Devices to Wireless
Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 an Advertisement and/or
Ad Data Code 0200. Radio 0306 can receive through its I-O Devices
from Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 any
communication, including, but not limited to: a response to an
Advertisement, a message indicating Wireless Device 0120 user is
listening to Radio 0306 or Wireless Device 0120 I-O Devices
utilizing any short-range and/or very short-range wireless
protocols are within range of Radio 0306, Static Information 6930
(described in FIG. 69), Dynamic Information 6932, and/or Feedback
Information 6960.
[0287] Personal Computer 0308 is any Data Processing System that
can process data, and transmit and/or receive information to and
from other devices. In addition, a Personal Computer 0308 can
transmit and/or receive information through either a wired
connection and/or a wireless connection. When using a wireless
connection, Personal Computer 0308 is referred to herein as a
Wireless Device.
[0288] A Personal Computer 0308 can receive an Advertisement and/or
Ad Data Code 0200 via a wired and/or wireless network utilizing any
type of protocol (e.g, IP). Personal Computer 0308 includes one or
more I-O Devices. FIG. 4 depicts exemplary Personal Computer 0308
I-O Devices including, but not limited to, Antenna 0422,
Synchronization Device/Port 0424, Speaker 0426, Infrared Device
0428, and/or Antenna 0429, which can transmit to and/or receive
from another Antenna through a very short range radio signal
utilizing NFC and/or another contactless standard. Antenna 0422 can
transmit and/or receive signals utilizing any wireless protocol
with the preferred embodiment being Bluetooth, an alternative
embodiment being 802.11, and alternative embodiments being any
other wireless protocol. Synchronization Device/Port 0424 can, for
example, communicate with another device through a USB port and
alternative embodiments communicating with another device through
any other port, including, but not limited to: UART and RS-232.
[0289] Personal Computer 0308 can transmit through its I-O Devices
to Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200. Personal Computer 0308 can
receive through its I-O Devices from Wireless Device 0120 any
communication, including, but not limited to: a response to an
Advertisement, a message indicating Wireless Device 0120 user is
viewing Personal Computer 0308 or Wireless Device 0120 I-O Devices
utilizing any short-range and/or very short-range wireless
protocols are within range of Personal Computer 0308, Static
Information 6930 (described in FIG. 69), Dynamic Information 6932,
and/or Feedback Information 6960. Personal Computer 0308 can
broadcast through Antenna 1522 to any Wireless Device within its
immediate area a RF signal containing an Advertisement and/or Ad
Data Code 0200.
[0290] Personal Computer 0308 can record the activity of an user of
Personal Computer 0308 viewing an Advertisement in a variety of
ways, including, but not limited to: storing a data file containing
state information or what is commonly referred to as "cookie" in
Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308; recording data about the
user on the web server serving the Advertisement if the user
provides information about the user to the server; recording the
static IP address of the user if the user requests a web page
containing an Advertisement; or other means of recording an
Advertisement viewed by the user.
[0291] Current media technologies are evolving that could change
the type of device on which an user views an Advertisement
delivered to conventional devices. For example, certain operators
are deploying technologies enabling them to transmit Television
signals by utilizing IP. While these operators plan to transmit IP
Television signals to a Television set, transmitting the signals
via IP can enable them to transmit the signals to Personal
Computers 0308. Therefore, a Personal Computer 0308 can receive
both an Internet Advertisement and an Advertisement that can also
be viewed on a Television 0304.
[0292] An Outdoor Media Device 0310 is any platform outside of a
home or business that can display an Advertisement. Outdoor Media
Devices 0310 can be electronic (e.g., an Advertisement viewed on a
liquid crystal display (LCD)) or non-electronic (e.g.,
Advertisement viewed on paper or billboard). The platform may be
stationary (e.g., a billboard or end-of-aisle display) or mobile
(e.g., an automobile carrying an Advertisement).
[0293] For example, a billboard may be a platform holding a still
or moving image Advertisement in an outdoor environment, a platform
holding a still or moving image Advertisement in an indoor
environment, e.g., a hallway or elevator, a poster, and/or a
display advertising or featuring Products, e.g., a
point-of-purchase display or an end-of-aisle display in
supermarkets. A billboard can also be a stationary platform, e.g.,
a highway billboard or a Television monitor in an elevator, or a
mobile platform, e.g., the side of a bus or truck, or a vehicle
designed specifically to display advertising. As would be
appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in the art, System
0090 can use other forms of Outdoor Media Devices 0310.
[0294] Outdoor Media Device 0310 can have one or more I-O Devices.
FIG. 4 depicts exemplary Outdoor Media Device 0310 I-O Devices
including, but not limited to an Antenna 0442, which can transmit
and/or receive signals utilizing any wireless protocol with the
preferred embodiment being Bluetooth, an alternative embodiment
being 802.11, and alternative embodiments being any other wireless
protocol; an Antenna 0444, which can transmit to and/or receive
from, respectively, another Antenna via a very short range radio
signal utilizing NFC and/or any other contactless standard; a
Barcode 0446, and/or an Infrared Device 0448.
[0295] Outdoor Media Device 0310 can transmit through its I-O
Devices to Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 from Advertiser System 0100.
Outdoor Media Device 0310 can receive through its I-O Devices from
Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 any
communication, including, but not limited to, a response to an
Advertisement, a message indicating Wireless Device 0120 user is
viewing an Outdoor Media Device 0310 or Wireless Device 0120 I-O
Devices utilizing any short-range and/or very short-range wireless
protocols are within range of Outdoor Media Device 0310, Static
Information 6930 (described in FIG. 69), Dynamic Information 6932,
and/or Feedback Information 6960.
[0296] Outdoor Media Device 0310 can transmit an Advertisement
and/or Ad Data Code 0200 either initiating a transmission to or
responding to a reception from Wireless Device 0120. That is,
Outdoor Media Device 0310 can broadcast through Antenna 0442 to any
Wireless Device within its immediate area a RF signal containing an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200. Alternatively, Outdoor
Media Device 0310 can respond to a request by any Wireless Device
for information about the Product advertised on Outdoor Media
Device 0310. For example, Wireless Device 0120 user can be walking
in the vicinity of Outdoor Media Device 0310, which can be a poster
that includes both Antenna 0442 and Barcode 0446. Antenna 0442 can
broadcast a RF signal containing an Advertisement and/or Ad Data
Code 0200 to the user. Alternatively, the user reading or viewing
Outdoor Media Device 0310 can point his/her Wireless Device 0120 at
Barcode 0446 to download more information about the Product
advertised, e.g., an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200.
[0297] Print media such as Magazine or Newspaper 0312 may have one
or more I-O Devices. FIG. 4 depicts exemplary Print I-O Devices
including, but not limited to, a Barcode 0452, and/or RFID Antenna
0454, which can support NFC or any comparable standard enabling
very short-range communication. Print media 0312 can transmit
through its I-O Devices to Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless
Device 0122 an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200. Print media
0312 can receive through its I-O Devices from Wireless Device 0120
any communication, including, but not limited to: a response to an
Advertisement, a message indicating Wireless Device 0120 user is
viewing the Print media or Wireless Device 0120 I-O Devices
utilizing any short-range and/or very short-range wireless
protocols are within range of Print media 0312, Static Information
6930 (described in FIG. 69), Dynamic Information 6932, and/or
Feedback Information 6960.
[0298] Product Package 0314 is any type of package in which an
Advertiser can place a Product on which an user can view an
Advertisement. Product Package 0314 may have one or more I-O
Devices. FIG. 4 depicts exemplary Product Package 0314 I-O Devices,
including, but not limited to, a Barcode 0462; and/or RFID Antenna
0464, which can support NFC or any comparable standard enabling
very short-range communication. Product Package 0314 can transmit
through its I-O Devices to Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless
Device 0122 an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200. Product
Package 0314 can receive through its I-O Devices from Wireless
Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 any communication,
including, but not limited to: a response to an Advertisement, a
message indicating Wireless Device 0120 user is viewing Product
Package 0314 or Wireless Device 0120 I-O Devices utilizing any
short-range and/or very short-range wireless protocols are within
range of Product Package 0314, Static Information 6930 (described
in FIG. 69), Dynamic Information 6932, and/or Feedback Information
6960.
[0299] Other Wireless Device 0316 includes one or more I-O Devices.
Other Wireless Device 0316 has the same I-O Devices as Wireless
Device 0120, described above. FIG. 4 depicts exemplary Other
Wireless Device 0316 I-O Devices including, but not limited to,
Antenna 0472, which can transmit and/or receive signals utilizing
any wireless protocol with the preferred embodiment being
Bluetooth, an alternative embodiment being 802.11, and alternative
embodiments being any other wireless protocol; Infrared Device
0474; and/or RFID Device (not pictured in FIG. 4), which can
support NFC or any comparable standard enabling very short-range
communication. Wireless Device 0316 can transmit through its I-O
Devices to Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200. Wireless Device 0316 can
receive through its I-O Devices from Wireless Device 0120 and/or
Non-Wireless Device any communication, including, but not limited
to: a response to an Advertisement, a message indicating Wireless
Device 0120 user can communicate with Other Wireless Device 0316 or
Wireless Device 0120 I-O Devices utilizing any short-range and/or
very short-range wireless protocols are within range of Other
Wireless Device 0316, Static Information 6930 (described in FIG.
69), Dynamic Information 6932, and/or Feedback Information
6960.
[0300] Wireless Base Station 0302 can transmit and/or receive to
and/or from, respectively, another Antenna a wireless signal over a
wireless network utilizing any long-range wireless protocol
including, but not limited to, advance mobile phone system (AMPS),
time division multiple access (TDMA), global system for mobile
communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GRPS), enhanced
data rates for global evolution (EDGE), code division multiple
access (CDMA), CDMA2000, any extensions of CDMA2000, wideband CDMA
(WCDMA), any extensions of WCDMA, high speed downlink packet access
(HSDPA), 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, Ultra Wideband (UWB), digital
video broadcasting-handheld (DVB-H), terrestrial integrated
services digital broadcasting (ISDB-T), satellite digital
multimedia broadcasting (S-DMB), terrestrial digital multimedia
broadcasting (T-DMB), and/or any equivalent or successor standards.
Wireless Base Station 0302 can transmit through its I-O Devices to
Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200. Wireless Base Station 0302
can receive through its I-O Devices from Wireless Device 0120 any
communication, including, but not limited to: a response to an
Advertisement, a message indicating Wireless Device 0120 user can
communicate with Wireless Base Station 0302, Static Information
5730 (described in FIG. 57), Dynamic Information 5732, and/or
Feedback Information 5760.
[0301] FIG. 6 depicts a table listing the I-O Devices of a Wireless
Device 0120 and the I-O Devices of the above described Media
Devices 0110 with which the Wireless Device 0120 can exchange data
through a wired and/or wireless signal, according to embodiments of
the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the I-O Devices of
Wireless Device 0120.
[0302] Wireless Device 0120 can receive an Ad Data Code 0200
through Microphone 0328 from any device with a speaker, including,
but not limited to: Television 0304, Radio 0306, and/or Personal
Computer 0308. An Advertiser can produce an Ad Data Code 0200 in
the form of an audio signal ("Ad Data Audio Signal") that is
transmitted to Media Devices 0110 for retransmission to Wireless
Device 0120. An Advertiser can embed Ad Data Audio Signal in the
audio signal normally transmitted by Speakers 0402, 0414, and 0426
for Television 0304, Radio 0306, and Personal Computer 0308,
respectively. To avoid distorting the normal audio signal
containing audio information about programming and/or an
Advertisement, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit Ad Data Audio
Signal at a frequency outside the range of human hearing.
Alternatively, the Advertiser can transmit Ad Data Audio Signal at
a frequency within the range of human hearing, but at a signal
power level that is undetectable by human hearing yet detectable by
Microphone 0328.
[0303] The RFID Reader 0334 of Wireless Device 0120 can receive an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 from any device with a RFID
Tag, including, but not limited to: Outdoor Media Device 0310,
Print Media 0312, and/or Product Package 0314. As described above,
Print Media 0312 can include a RFID Tag 0454 that can receive any
kind of electromagnetic field that can induce a voltage in the tag
to enable the tag to transmit a radio signal carrying information
about an Advertisement or an Ad Data Code 0200. In one embodiment,
RFID Tag 0454 can receive a changing magnetic field, which can
induce a voltage in the tag to enable the tag to transmit the radio
signal. In another embodiment, RFID Tag 0454 can receive a light
wave, which can induce a voltage in a photovoltaic system capable
of converting light into electrical power as part of the tag and
enable the tag to transmit the radio signal.
[0304] RFID Tag 0454 can include a photovoltaic system capable of
converting light at any wavelength into electrical power. The
wavelengths can include the wavelengths utilized by sunlight or
wavelengths utilized by any manmade source of light. In the
preferred embodiment, RFID Tag 0454 can include a photovoltaic
system that can convert either sunlight and/or manmade sources of
light operating near the infrared spectrum. Because current
photovoltaic systems tend to be most efficient at converting light
into electrical power near the infrared spectrum, the photovoltaic
system could be produced at a lower cost than photovoltaic systems
operating at other wavelengths. In another embodiment, RFID Tag
0454 can include a photovoltaic system that can convert either
sunlight and/or manmade sources of light operating at wavelengths
other than near the infrared spectrum.
[0305] RFID Tag 0454 with the photovoltaic system can enable an
Advertiser to measure whether a reader of Print Media 0312 is
exposed to an Advertisement on a given page inside or on the
outside of the Print Media 0312. One current approach can measure
whether a reader sees Print Media 0312 Advertisement only if the
reader fills out a paper form indicating that he/she read an
Advertisement and sends the form by mail to an Advertiser. Another
approach can measure whether a reader sees a Print Media 0312
Advertisement if the reader scans with his/her Wireless Device 0120
a barcode associated with the Advertisement that provides a means
of contacting the Advertiser, e.g., a URL with a certain code
indicating the Advertisement providing the reader the URL.
[0306] These approaches require a reader to take some overt action
to transmit some information to the Advertiser indicating the
reader is exposed to the Advertisement. Under these approaches, the
Advertiser cannot know whether the reader is exposed to
Advertisements for which the reader does not take some action
transmitting information to the Advertiser.
[0307] RFID Tag 0454 with the photovoltaic system can enable an
Advertiser to measure whether the reader is exposed to an
Advertisement on a given page inside or on the outside of the Print
Media 0312 without requiring any overt action by the reader. The
reader can open the Print media and turn to a given page, which
would be exposed to either sunlight or manmade source of light.
RFID Tag 0454 with the photovoltaic system can convert the light to
electrical power, which can enable the tag to transmit a radio
signal to RFID Reader 0334 attached to Wireless Device 0120. As
long as the Wireless Device is within range of the radio signal
transmitted by RFID Tag 0454, Wireless Device 0120 can receive an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 transmitted by the tag.
2.1.2.2 Wireless Device
[0308] As depicted in FIG. 3, Wireless Device 0120 can include
components, including, but not limited to: one or more Antennas
0322, one or more additional I/O Devices, URMS 0350, one or more
Processors 0004, one or more Modems 0344, one or more Baseband
Processors 0342, one or more Transceivers 0340, and/or an Operating
System 0346.
[0309] URMS 0350 is configured to measure if, through what Media
Device 0110, when, and/or where an user views an Advertisement
and/or if, when, how, and/or to what degree the user responds to
the Advertisement. In one embodiment, the present invention can
implement URMS 0350 in software. In this implementation, the
present invention can store logic for URMS 0350 in Memory 0012 (not
shown) in Wireless Device 0120. URMS 0350 is described in further
detail in Section 2.1.2.3, below.
[0310] CPU 0004 can be a single Processor, more than one Processor,
a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, or any other
device that can execute program instructions and data.
[0311] Modem 0344 can perform any of the functions of
Communications Interface 0014 in addition to providing an interface
to peripherals, including, but not limited to: a keypad and/or
keyboard, display, SIM card, vibrator, microphone, and/or
speaker.
[0312] Operating System 0346 is configured to manage one or more
application programs in Wireless Device 0120.
[0313] In accordance with Wireless Device operating techniques well
known to those with ordinary skill in the art, Transceiver 0340 can
perform signal processing from and/or to Antenna 0322, including,
but not limited to, signal conversion from RF to intermediate
frequency (IF) and then from IF to baseband or directly from RF to
baseband, signal conversion from baseband to IF and then to RF or
directly from baseband to RF, power amplification for transmission
to Antenna 0322, switching between reception and transmission, A/D
conversion, and/or D/A conversion.
[0314] Baseband Processor 0342 is configured to perform signal
processing from and to Transceiver 0340, including, but not limited
to, modulation, demodulation, A/D conversion, D/A conversion,
synchronization, and/or providing an interface to peripherals.
Baseband Processor 0342 can be an analog baseband processor, a
digital baseband processor, or a combination analog and digital
baseband processor.
[0315] As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in
the art, Wireless Device 0120 can include any combination or
integration of Modem 0344, Transceiver 0340, Baseband Processor
0342, or CPU 0004. In other embodiments, other devices can perform
the functions performed by each of Modem 0344, Transceiver 0340,
Baseband Processor 0342, and CPU 0004.
2.1.2.2.1 I-O DEVICES
[0316] Wireless Device 0120 can include one or more I-O Devices. A
Wireless Device 0120 I-O Device is any device attached to and/or
integrated with a Wireless Device that can receive from and/or
transmit to other devices information through a wireless and/or
wired connection. I-O Devices include, but are not limited to, the
following: (i) a Microphone 0328 that can receive and decode the
audio transmission of an Ad Data Code 0200; (ii) a Synchronization
Device 0326 that can receive a wired transmission of an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 when the Wireless Device
0120 is connected to a port of any Media Device 0110, e.g., a
Personal Computer 0308 or Television 0304 or a Payment Receipt 1900
when the Wireless Device 0120 is connected to a port of any Payment
Device 0134; (iii) an Antenna 0322 that can receive the wireless
transmission of an Advertisement, Ad Data Code 0200, and/or Payment
Receipt 1900 transmitted over a RF channel from an Outdoor Media
Device 0310 or public Television monitor or an Advertisement, Ad
Data Code 0200, and/or Payment Receipt 1900 transmitted over a RF
channel from a base station of a wireless operator; (iv) a
Bluetooth Antenna 0324 that can receive the wireless transmission
of an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 transmitted in the
form of a Bluetooth signal or a Payment Receipt 1900 when the
Wireless Device 0120 is within range of any Payment Device 0134;
(v) a Barcode Reader 0336 that can read the content of a bar code;
(vi) an Infrared Device 0330 that can receive an Advertisement
and/or Ad Data Code 0200 transmitted in the form of an infrared
signal from another device or a Payment Receipt 1900 when the
Wireless Device 0120 is within range of any Payment Device 0134;
(vii) a RFID Device 0334 that can receive the wireless transmission
of an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 from any RFID tag or a
Payment Receipt 1900 when the Wireless Device 0120 is within range
of any RFID tag; (viii) a NFC Antenna 0338 that can receive the
contactless transmission of an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code
0200 transmitted from a device that can support Near Field
Communications or a Payment Receipt 1900 when the Wireless Device
0120 is within range of any Payment Device 0134; and/or (ix) any
combination of the above. The present application describes each of
these I-O Devices in further detail below.
[0317] The Wireless Device 0120 can transmit through its I-O
Devices to another Wireless Device and/or any other device data
responding to an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 or
signaling some action with respect to a Product advertised.
[0318] Antenna 0322 is configured to transmit to and/or receive
from another Antenna, respectively, a long-range wireless signal
(typically, longer than several hundred feet) utilizing any
wireless air interface protocol. In one embodiment, Antenna 0322
includes an array of Antennas. Wireless air interface protocols
include, but are not limited to, AMPS, TDMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, CDMA,
CDMA2000 and any extensions of CDMA2000, WCDMA and any extensions
of WCDMA, HSDPA, 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, UWB, DVB-H, ISDB-T, S-DMB,
T-DMB, and/or any equivalent or successor standards. As would be
appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in the art, Wireless
Device 0120 can support any wireless air interface protocol.
[0319] In one embodiment, Wireless Device 0120 communicates via
Antenna 0322 to a Wireless Base Station 0302. Wireless Base Station
0302 is a component of a communications network. Wireless Base
Station 0302 transmits and/or receives a wireless signal using one
of the above mentioned protocols to devices having an Antenna
0322.
[0320] Although FIG. 3 depicts one Antenna 0322, any person with
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that Wireless Device 0120
can include multiple Antennas 0322 for transmitting and/or
receiving a wireless signal, each of which can support a different
wireless protocol. For example, Wireless Device 0120 can include
one Antenna 0322 to receive a CDMA2000 signal, a second Antenna
0322 to receive a 802.11 signal, and a third Antenna 0322 to
receive a 802.16 signal. In another embodiment, Wireless Device
0120 can include one or more Antennas 0322 for transmitting and/or
receiving a wireless signal, each of which can support multiple
wireless protocols.
[0321] Antenna 0322 is configured to receive an Advertisement from
Wireless Base Station 0302. In another embodiment, Antenna 0322 is
configured to receive an Advertisement through any device that is
part of a wireless network, including, but not limited to, a
satellite wireless network or another Wireless Device as part of a
wireless mesh network (any further reference to Wireless Base
Station 0302 shall include the devices).
[0322] Antenna 0322 is configured to receive an Ad Data Code 0200
from any Media Device 0110, including, but not limited to: Wireless
Base Station 0302 (which shall include any Television programming
and/or Advertisements transmitted from Wireless Base Station 0302),
Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor Media
Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product Package 0314, or
Other Wireless Device 0316. Antenna 0322 is configured to receive a
Payment Receipt 1900 from any Media Device 0110 and/or a Payment
Device 0134. Antenna 0322 can transmit any information to Wireless
Base Station 0302.
[0323] Antenna 0322 can transmit and/or receive signals connecting
Wireless Device 0120 to Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) 0160,
URMS Map Database 0162, Wireless Operator Billing Database 0164,
3rd Party Payment Database 0166, UPC Database 0168, and/or
Advertiser System 0100 to implement the various functions enabled
by URMS 0350.
[0324] Antenna 0324 is configured to transmit to and/or receive
from another Antenna, respectively, a short-range wireless signal
(typically shorter than several hundred feet but longer than
several inches) utilizing the Bluetooth protocol in the preferred
embodiment or any other short-range wireless protocol in another
embodiment. In one embodiment, Antenna 0324 is a short-range
Antenna. A Short-Range Antenna is any Antenna which can communicate
with another Antenna over a short range utilizing any type of
short-range wireless protocol, including, but not limited to:
Bluetooth, HomeRF, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.3a or UWB, infrared,
e.g., the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard, RFID, wireless
IEEE 1394 (also known as Wireless Firewire), or Wireless USB. For
example, UWB can relay data from a host device to client devices up
to about 10 meters away.
[0325] Antenna 0324 can receive an Advertisement transmitted by
Advertiser System 0100 to Wireless Device 0120. Antenna 0324 is
also configured to receive an Ad Data Code 0200 from any Media
Device 0110, including, but not limited to: Wireless Base Station
0302, Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor
Media Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product Package
0314, or Other Wireless Device 0316. Antenna 0324 can receive data
from any Product or other device with another Antenna that measures
whether Wireless Device 0120 user takes some action with respect to
the Product or device, including, but not limited to: sampling the
Product, visiting a retailer, or buying the Product. Antenna 0324
is configured to receive a Payment Receipt 1900 from any Media
Device 0110 and/or a Payment Device 0134. Antenna 0324 is
configured to transmit to any of the devices any information,
including, but not limited to: information regarding an
Advertisement and/or response to an Advertisement.
[0326] Synchronization Device/Port 0326 is configured to transmit
to and/or receive from another device, respectively, a signal
through a wired or wireless communication. The present invention
can implement the function of synchronization through any wired or
wireless communication, including, but not limited to: any kind of
cable; Bluetooth or any other short-range wireless protocol;
infrared; RFID; and/or NFC or any comparable standard enabling very
short-range communication. Synchronization Device/Port 0326 can
communicate with another device through any port, including, but
not limited to: a universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter
(UART) and a USB.
[0327] Synchronization Device/Port 0326 is configured to receive an
Advertisement transmitted to Wireless Device 0120. For example, an
Advertiser can transmit through the Internet an Advertisement
and/or Ad Data Code 0200 to a Personal Computer 0308 for further
transmission to Wireless Device 0120 through Synchronization
Device/Port 0326. In another example, if a STB 0500 for Television
0304 has the capability of synchronizing with Wireless Device 0120
through a UART, USB, or some other port, Advertiser System 0100 can
transmit an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 to Television
0304 for further transmission to Wireless Device 0120 through
Synchronization Device/Port 0326. Synchronization Device 0326 can
receive an Ad Data Code 0200 from any Media Device 0110, including,
but not limited to: Wireless Base Station 0302, Television 0304,
Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor Media Device 0310,
Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product Package 0314, or Other Wireless
Device 0316. Synchronization Device/Port 0326 can receive data from
any Product or other device with a synchronization device that
measures whether Wireless Device 0120 user takes some action with
respect to the Product or device, including, but not limited to:
sampling the Product, visiting a retailer, or buying the Product.
Synchronization Device/Port 0326 is configured to receive a Payment
Receipt 1900 from any Media Device 0110 and/or a Payment Device
0134. Synchronization Device/Port 0326 is configured to transmit to
any of the devices any information, including, but not limited to:
information regarding an Advertisement and/or response to an
Advertisement.
[0328] Microphone 0328 is configured to receive a signal from
another device through a sound wave or other physical audio
communication. Microphone 0328 is configured to receive an
Advertisement transmitted by Advertiser System 0100 to Wireless
Device 0120 from a speaker connected to any Media Device 0110.
Microphone 0328 can receive an Ad Data Code 0200 from any Media
Device 0110, including, but not limited to: Wireless Base Station
0302, Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor
Media Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product Package
0314, or Other Wireless Device 0316.
[0329] Infrared Device 0330 is configured to transmit to and/or
receive from another infrared device, respectively, a signal
utilizing infrared light waves. Infrared Device 0330 can utilize
any standard, including, but not limited to, the Infrared Data
Association (IrDA) standard.
[0330] Infrared Device 0330 is configured to receive an
Advertisement transmitted to Wireless Device 0120. Infrared Device
0330 can receive an Ad Data Code 0200 from any Media Device 0110,
including, but not limited to: Wireless Base Station 0302,
Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor Media
Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product Package 0314, or
Other Wireless Device 0316. Infrared Device 0330 can receive data
from any Product or other device with an infrared device that
measures whether Wireless Device 0120 user takes some action with
respect to the Product or device, including, but not limited to:
sampling the Product, visiting a retailer, or buying the Product.
For example, Wireless Device 0120 user could visit an auto
dealership to test-drive an auto or a home to inspect the home.
Currently, auto dealers and real estate agents typically ask
potential customers to write on paper their contact information to
record the customer sampling. Wireless Device 0120 user could
exchange information with the auto dealer or real estate agent,
which information would represent the sampling of an auto or home
by the user. Infrared Device 0330 is configured to receive a
Payment Receipt 1900 from any Media Device 0110 and/or a Payment
Device 0134. Infrared Device 0330 can transmit to any of the
devices any information, including, but not limited to: information
regarding an Advertisement and/or response to an Advertisement.
[0331] In another embodiment, Wireless Device 0120 can measure the
sampling by enabling the device to exchange information with
another party utilizing not only Infrared Device 0330, but any
other kind of device, including, but not limited to: Antenna 0322;
Antenna 0324; Synchronization Device 0326; Microphone 0328; Camera
0332; RFID Antenna 0334; Barcode Reader 0336; and/or NFC Antenna
0338.
[0332] Camera 0332 is configured to record any image or video. For
example, Camera 0332 can read an image of a bar code or other form
of data encoding information about a Product or Advertisement.
Camera 0332 can record an image on any Media Device 0110,
including, but not limited to, a Magazine or Newspaper 0312, or
Product Package 0314.
[0333] In general, an RFID Antenna, such as RFID Antenna 0334, is
any device that can enable a machine, e.g., a Wireless Device, to
transmit to and/or receive from another machine, e.g., a Wireless
Device, data wirelessly utilizing any RFID standard. A RFID Antenna
can be either a RFID reader, which can receive a wireless signal
from an RFID tag, an RFID tag, which can transmit a wireless signal
to a RFID reader, or a combination RFID reader/tag.
[0334] A RFID Antenna 0334 is configured to generate an
electromagnetic field, which induces a voltage in a RFID tag and
enables the RFID tag to transmit to the RFID Antenna 0334 a radio
signal. RFID Antenna 0334 is configured to convert the received
radio signal into a format that can be transferred to an
application in Wireless Device 0120. In another embodiment, RFID
Antenna 0334 can generate a light wave, which can induce a voltage
in a photovoltaic system as part of a RFID tag and enable the REID
tag to transmit to the RFID Antenna 0334 a radio signal. In another
embodiment, RFID Antenna 0334 can generate a light wave, which can
induce a voltage in a photovoltaic system capable of converting
light into electrical power as part of a RFID tag and enable the
RFID tag to transmit to the RFID Antenna 0334 a light signal. In
another embodiment, RFID Antenna 0334 can generate an
electromagnetic field to induce a RFID tag to transmit to the RFID
Antenna 0334 an electromagnetic signal other than a radio or light
signal.
[0335] RFID Antenna 0334 is configured to receive an Advertisement
transmitted to Wireless Device 0120. RFID Antenna 0334 can receive
an Ad Data Code 0200 from any Media Device 0110 with a RFID tag,
including, but not limited to: Wireless Base Station 0302,
Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor Media
Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product Package 0314, or
Other Wireless Device 0316. RFID Antenna 0334 can receive data from
any Product with a RFID tag that measures whether Wireless Device
0120 user takes some action with respect to the Product, including,
but not limited to: sampling the Product, visiting a retailer, or
buying the Product. RFID Antenna 0334 is configured to receive a
Payment Receipt 1900 from any Media Device 0110 and/or a Payment
Device 0134. RFID Antenna 0334 can transmit to any RFID reader or
any other RFID Device any information, including, but not limited
to: information regarding an Advertisement and/or response to an
Advertisement.
[0336] In one embodiment, Wireless Device 0120 can include a NFC
Antenna 0338. NFC Antenna 0338 is configured to transmit to and/or
receive from another device via a very short-range radio signal
(typically inches) using NFC or any other contactless standard
and/or exchange data with any device that is part of a wireless
device, including a SIM card. NFC is a technology enabling a
Wireless Device 0120 user to access information in other devices by
touching them and/or bringing them within a short distance,
typically a few centimeters. The NFC protocol supports the
utilization of other wireless protocols. For example, after
Wireless Device 0120 exchanges configuration data with the other
device utilizing NFC, the devices can continue communication
utilizing other wireless protocols, including, but not limited to:
Bluetooth or 802.11. The NFC protocol also supports contactless
smart card protocols. The NFC protocol supports a variety of
functions, including, but not limited to: detection,
authentication, reading, and/or writing of data from and/or to
other devices utilizing NFC.
[0337] Exemplary NFC standards include ISO 18092, ISO 21481, ECMA
(340, 352, and 356), ETSI TS 102 190, and any equivalent or
successor standards. In another embodiment, exemplary contactless
standards (e g., any standard enabling wireless data exchange over
short distances (or even in physical contact) and in an unregulated
RF band, e.g., 13.56 MHz.) include ISO 14443 for contactless
integrated circuit proximity cards, ISO 15693 for contactless
integrated circuit vicinity cards, or any equivalent or successor
standard to ISO 14443, ISO 14443A/B, ISO 15693, ISO 18092, ISO
21481, ECMA (340, 352, and 356), or ETSI TS 102 190. As would be
appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in the art, Wireless
Device 0120 can support any comparable standard enabling very
short-range communication.
[0338] NFC Antenna 0338 is configured to receive an Advertisement
from any device that can support NFC or any other contactless
standard. NFC Antenna 0338 is also configured to receive an Ad Data
Code 0200 from any Media Device 0110, including, but not limited
to: Wireless Base Station 0302, Television 0304, Radio 0306,
Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor Media Device 0310, Magazine or
Newspaper 0312, Product Package 0314, or Other Wireless Device
0316. NFC Antenna 0338 is configured to receive a Payment Receipt
1900 from any Media Device 0110 and/or a Payment Device 0134. NFC
Antenna 0338 can transmit to any of the devices any information,
including, but not limited to: information regarding an
Advertisement, response to an Advertisement, and/or payment
information.
[0339] A Barcode Reader 0336 is configured to transmit a beam of
light across a barcode, measuring the amount of light reflected
from the barcode, and decoding the barcode. Barcode Reader 0336 can
include a variety of means of scanning a barcode and converting
light energy to electrical energy, including, but not limited to, a
pen type scanner with a light source and photo diode to measure the
intensity of light reflected from the barcode; a laser barcode
scanner with a laser beam as a light source and photo diode to
measure the intensity of light reflected from the barcode; a charge
couple device (CCD) scanner with an array of light sensors and a
device to measure the emitted ambient light from the barcode; or an
image scanner, also known as a camera reader, with a camera to
capture an image of a barcode.
[0340] The n-digit Product number making up the barcode may or may
not contain any descriptive data about a Product. In the example
where the barcode does not contain descriptive Product data,
Barcode Reader 0336 can transmit the reference number it decodes to
URMS 0350, which in turn can transmit the reference number through
Antenna 0322 or Antenna 0324. In the example where the barcode does
contain descriptive Product data, e.g., a bar code utilizing the
format of PDF417, also known in the industry as a two-dimensional
barcode, Barcode Reader 0336 can transmit the Product data to a
module in Wireless Device 0120 for conversion to an Ad File.
[0341] Barcode Reader 0336 is configured to receive an
Advertisement transmitted by Advertiser System 0100 to Wireless
Device 0120. Barcode Reader 0336 can receive an Ad Data Code 0200
from any Media Device which can transmit and/or display a barcode,
including, but not limited to: Wireless Base Station 0302,
Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor Media
Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product Package 0314, or
Other Wireless Device 0316. Barcode Reader 0336 can receive data
from any Product with a barcode that measures whether Wireless
Device 0120 user takes some action with respect to the Product,
including, but not limited to: sampling the Product, visiting a
retailer, or buying the Product.
[0342] Wireless Device 0120 may also include an I-O Device 0339
which is configured to transmit to and/or receive from another
device through a radio signal using any other wireless standard not
discussed above.
[0343] As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in
the art, Wireless Device 0120 can use I-O Devices other than those
described herein.
2.1.2.3 User Response Measurement System
[0344] URMS 0350 is a system for measuring if, through what Media
Device 0110, when, and/or where an user of Wireless Device 0120
views an Advertisement and/or if, when, how, and/or to what degree
the user responds to the Advertisement. As described above,
Wireless Device 0120 and/or Non-Wireless Device 0122 includes a
URMS. In one embodiment, URMS 0350 can operate as a chip connected
to a modem, such as Modem 0344. In another embodiment, URMS 0350
can operate as a software application program on top of operating
system, such as Operating System 0346 or as a software program
integrated with or embedded in an operating system. This embodiment
is described below in reference to FIG. 7. While the present
application describes the URMS 0350 as a system located in a
Wireless Device 0120, the present invention does not limit the
application of URMS 0350 to a Wireless Device 0120. The present
invention can adapt URMS 0350 for location on one or more Media
Devices 0110 to measure if, when, and/or where an user of such
Media Device 0110 views an Advertisement and/or if, when, how,
and/or to what degree the user responds to such Advertisement.
[0345] In other embodiments, URMS 0350 can operate in Wireless
Device 0120 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, as
program logic integrated in a Modem 0344, a general purpose
processor or CPU 0004, a microprocessor, a Baseband Processor 0342,
an application processor, a DSP, an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), a controller, a microcontroller, a field
programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, other
electronic units, or any combination thereof; as a chip integrated
with a Modem 0344, a CPU 0004, a microprocessor, a Baseband
Processor 0342, an application processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a
controller, a microcontroller, a FPGA, a programmable logic device,
other electronic units, or any combination thereof; as a chip
connected to a CPU 0004, a microprocessor, a Baseband Processor
0342, an application processor, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, a
microcontroller, a FPGA, a programmable logic device, other
electronic units, or any combination thereof; as a software program
integrated with Operating System 0346; as a software application
program operating in or as a helper application in a Web Browser of
Wireless Device 0120; or as a software application program
operating in a SIM Toolkit.
[0346] In the examples where URMS 0350 operates as a software
program, URMS 0350 can have access to device hardware, including,
but not limited to, Keypad, Microphone, Camera 0332, Television,
Location Processor, Bluetooth Baseband Processor, a Barcode Reader
0336, IrDA port, UART port, USB port, a general purpose
input/output (GPIO) port, and memory controller. In addition, URMS
0350 may need access to device software, including, but not limited
to: Short Messaging Service (SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service
(MMS), Enhanced Messaging System (EMS), instant messaging, and/or
Web Browser. To access either device hardware or device software,
URMS 0350 can utilize its own application programming interfaces
(APIs). Alternatively, URMS 0350 can utilize the APIs of programs
enabling platform independence. Alternatively, URMS 0350 can
utilize the APIs of Operating System 0346. The present invention
can enable the installation of URMS 0350 on Wireless Device 0120 in
a variety of ways, including, but not limited to: installation at
the time of production by the vendor of the device, downloading by
the user of the device over-the-air for installation to Wireless
Device 0120, or downloading by the user of the device through
synchronization with a Personal Computer 0308 for installation to
Wireless Device 0120.
[0347] URMS 0350 is configured to read and/or store data in any
type of Memory 0012, including, but not limited to, any volatile or
non-volatile storage medium, RAM 0006, ROM 0008, shared memory,
dedicated memory, NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory, and/or Mass
Storage 0010. URMS 0350 can access Memory 0012 either indirectly
through Memory Controller 0760 or directly to the memory
devices.
[0348] URMS 0350 may also be configured to transmit and/or receive
information to and/or from other devices in Wireless Device 0120
through Bus 0002. Bus 0002 can include, but is not limited to, a
system bus and/or a peripheral bus.
[0349] FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary URMS 0350,
according to embodiments of the present invention. URMS 0350 can
include one or more modules, including, but not limited to: MMCMS
Module 0400, User Response Measurement Application (URMA) Module
0744, Data Storage Module 0732, Ad Data Code Module 0728, Static
Data Module 0746, Dynamic Data Module 0748, Payment Code Module
0730, and Financial Account Data Module 0750.
[0350] In one embodiment, URMS includes an optional calendar Module
and/or optional GPS Module. The inclusion of the calendar Module
and/or GPS Module provides the capability of reminding the use of
the wireless device of the time, date, and/or location at which the
user can purchase the Product described in the Ad Data Code
0200.
[0351] In general, Ad Data Code Module 0728 is configured to
perform a variety of functions related to data measuring if,
through what Media Device 0110, when, and/or where an user of
Wireless Device 0120 and/or a Target Customer views an
Advertisement either directly on Wireless Device 0120 and/or any
Media Device 0110, including, but not limited to: (1)
decompressing, demodulating, and/or decoding a signal carrying Ad
Data Code 0200 into data needed to calculate a ROI for the
Advertisement viewed, a function which can include, but is not
limited to: decompressing, demodulating, and/or decoding a sound
wave carrying Ad Data Code 0200 into data constituting parameters
which the Module can write to Ad Data File 0734; decompressing,
demodulating, and/or decoding an image of a barcode or a string of
characters which can be converted into a barcode carrying Ad Data
Code 0200 into data constituting parameters which the Module can
write to Ad Data File 0734; decompressing, demodulating, and/or
decoding a radio signal carrying Ad Data Code 0200 into data
constituting parameters which the Module can write to Ad Data File
0734; and/or decompressing, demodulating, and/or decoding an
infrared light wave signal carrying Ad Data Code 0200 into data
constituting parameters which the Module can write to Ad Data File
0734; (2) storing, writing, and/or appending additional parameters
unique to Wireless Device 0120 (e.g., the date, time, and/or
location Wireless Device 0120 received Ad Data Code 0200) to the
parameters generated by the Advertiser and/or Media Operator 0104
which can enable the present invention to match an user of Wireless
Device 0120 and/or Target Customer viewing the Advertisement and
the user purchasing a Product promoted in the Advertisement, all of
which parameters Ad Data Code Module 0728 can include in an Ad
File, which the Module can write to Ad Data File 0734 (in another
embodiment, Ad Data Code Module 0728 can write Ad Data Code 0200 to
Ad Data File 0734 without adding parameters unique to Wireless
Device 0120); and/or (3) writing an image of Ad Data Code 0200 to
Ad Data File 0734 for further transmission to any device of a
Retailer which can receive Ad Data Code 0200.
[0352] Ad Data Code Module 0728 and Payment Code Module 0730 can
exchange data with one or more Modules, including, but not limited
to: an Infrared Module 0702, an RFID Module 0704, a Synchronization
Module 0706, a Barcode Module 0708, an Antenna Module 0710, a Timer
Module 0712, a Counter Module 0714, an Event Handler Module 0716, a
Keypad Module 0718, a Mapping Module 0720, a Search Module 0722, a
Screen Module 0724, and an Audio Module 0726, and/or NFC Module
0758. As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in
the art, URMS 0350 can exchange data with other Modules. URMS 0350
may include a combination of these Modules as required by a
specific application. Although these Modules are depicted as
separate Modules in FIG. 7, one or more of the Modules may be
integrated and/or combined. Exemplary Modules with which Ad Data
Code Module 0728 and Payment Code Module 0730 can exchange data are
described in further detail in Section 2.1.2.3.1 below.
[0353] URMA Module 0744 is configured to perform one or more
functions, including, but not limited to: (1) searching through any
given Ad Data Code 0200, Payment Receipt 1900, Ad Data File 0734,
Ad Response File 0738, and/or Payment Data File 0740; (2) matching
data, e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN or name of Product, in: (a) any file
containing data on the Advertisements viewed by the user of
Wireless Device 0120, including, but not limited to, Ad Data Codes
0200 and/or Ad Data File 0734; (b) any file containing data on the
Products purchased by the user, including, but not limited to,
Payment Receipts 1900 and/or Payment Data File 0740; and/or (c) any
file containing data on the responses by the user to an
Advertisement, including, but not limited to, Ad Response File
0738; and/or (3) writing any matching data to Matching Event File
0742. URMA Module is described in further detail in Section
2.1.2.3.3 below
[0354] MMCMS Module 0400 is configured to generate an Ad File from
Ad Data Code 0200 received from any I-O Device. In another
embodiment, Ad Data Code Module 0728 can add parameters unique to
Wireless Device 0120 to the parameters from Ad Data Code 0200 to
generate an Ad File. In addition, MMCMS Module 0400 is configured
to measure the number and types of Advertisements that Wireless
Device 0120 (or Non-Wireless Device 0122) receives from the one or
more Media Devices 0110. MMCMS Module 0400 transmits the Ad File to
an Ad Data File 0734 stored in Data Storage Module 0732.
[0355] In one embodiment, one or more of the component Modules of
the URMS generate values for variables reflecting user viewing of
and/or response to an Advertisement. FIG. 9 is a table listing a
set of Modules and how each Module can generate values for
particular variables reflecting an user viewing an Advertisement
and values for particular variables reflecting how an user responds
to an Advertisement, according to embodiments of the present
invention. Some Modules, e.g., MMCMS Module 0400, can measure just
variables reflecting if, through what Media Device 0110, when,
and/or where an user views an Advertisement. Other Modules, e.g.,
Payment Code Module 0730, can measure just variables reflecting if,
when, how, or to what degree an user responds to an Advertisement.
Screen Module 0724 and Audio Module 0726 are not pictured in FIG.
9, but can also store and/or read values reflecting both an user
viewing an Advertisement and how an user responds to an
Advertisement.
[0356] Payment Code Module 0730 is configured to perform a variety
of functions related to data measuring related to data measuring
if, when, how, and/or to what degree an user of Wireless Device
0120 and/or a Target Customer responds to an Advertisement viewed
on Wireless Device 0120 and/or any Media Device 0110, including,
but not limited to: (1) decompressing, demodulating, and/or
decoding a signal carrying Payment Receipt 1900 into data needed to
calculate a ROI for the Advertisement viewed, a function which can
include, but is not limited to: decompressing, demodulating, and/or
decoding a sound wave carrying Payment Receipt 1900 into data
constituting parameters which the Module can write to Payment Data
File 0740; decompressing, demodulating, and/or decoding an image of
a barcode or a string of characters which can be converted into a
barcode carrying Payment Receipt 1900 into data constituting
parameters which the Module can write to Payment Data File 0740;
decompressing, demodulating, and/or decoding a radio signal
carrying Payment Receipt 1900 into data constituting parameters
which the Module can write to Payment Data File 0740; and/or
decompressing, demodulating, and/or decoding an infrared light wave
signal carrying Payment Receipt 1900 into data constituting
parameters which the Module can write to Payment Data File 0740;
(2) storing, writing, and/or appending additional parameters unique
to Wireless Device 0120 (e.g., the date, time, and/or location
Wireless Device 0120 received Payment Receipt 1900) to the
parameters generated by the Retailer which can enable the present
invention to match an user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target
Customer viewing the Advertisement and the user purchasing a
Product promoted in the Advertisement; all of which parameters
Payment Code Module 0730 can include in a Payment File, which the
Module can write to Payment Data File 0740 (in another embodiment,
Payment Code Module 0730 can write Payment Receipt 1900 to Payment
Data File 0740 without adding parameters unique to Wireless Device
0120); and/or (3) writing an image of Payment Receipt 1900 to
Payment Data File 0740 for further transmission to any device which
can receive Payment Receipt 1900.
[0357] Payment Code Module 0730 coordinates with one or more
external databases and/or systems such as Wireless Operator Billing
Database 0164 and Third Party Payment Database 0166 to measure any
response by an user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target Customer
to an Advertisement. In addition, Payment Code Module 0730 is
configured to parse received and/or generated payment information
(e.g., a Payment Receipt 1900).
[0358] Static Data Module 0746 can include parameters identifying
characteristics of the user of Wireless Device 0120 relevant to
his/her purchasing behavior that remain constant over a given
period of time.
[0359] Dynamic Data Module 0748 can include parameters identifying
characteristics of Wireless Device 0120 relevant to the purchasing
behavior of the user of the Device that can change over a given
period of time.
[0360] Financial Account Data Module 0750 can comprise one or more
components, including, but not limited to: Credit/Debit Card
Account Data 0752, which can include data identifying the credit
and/or debit account of the user of Wireless Device 0120; Bank
Account Data 0754, which can include data identifying the bank
account of the user of Wireless Device 0120; and/or Other Financial
Account Data 0756, which can include data identifying any other
financial account of the user of Wireless Device 0120.
[0361] NFC Module 0758 can exchange data between NFC Chip 1700
described in FIG. 17 and any Module in URMS 0350.
[0362] The component Modules of URMS 0350 can receive and/or
transmit information from and/or to other devices in Wireless
Device 0120. If URMS 0350 is a chip connected to Modem 0344, the
component Modules can receive and/or transmit information from
and/or to other devices in Wireless Device 0120 either directly
through Bus 0002 or indirectly through one or more devices,
including, but not limited to: a Modem 0344, CPU 0004, a Baseband
Processor 0342, an application processor, or a DSP. If URMS 0350 is
a software application program operating on top of Operating System
0346, the component Modules can receive and/or transmit information
from and/or to other devices in Wireless Device 0120 through
processes enabled by Operating System 0346.
[0363] URMS 0350 and its Modules can transmit and/or receive data
internally and externally in a variety of ways, including, but not
limited to, utilizing: a message-passing system of Operating System
0346; any APIs of Operating System 0346; Web Browser 0776; or any
other system or protocol enabling internal data exchange within
Wireless Device 0120 or external data exchange with devices
external to Wireless Device 0120. The present invention defines a
Web Browser as a software application enabling an user to view and
interact with any content on a web page. A Web Browser can reside
on any Data Processing System. A Wireless Device 0120 can contain a
Web Browser 0776.
[0364] These means of data exchange can enable URMS 0350 to
exchange data with other devices in Wireless Device 0120, any given
URMS 0350 Module to exchange data with any other URMS 0350 Module,
any given URMS 0350 Module to exchange data with any other device
in Wireless Device 0120, URMS 0350 to exchange data with any device
external to Wireless Device 0120, and any given URMS 0350 Module to
exchange data with any device external to Wireless Device 0120.
[0365] URMS 0350 receives and/or transmits information from and/or
to other devices in Wireless Device 0120 through interfaces or
devices including, but not limited to: Microphone Interface 0760;
Infrared Interface 0762; RFID Interface 0764; Synchronization
Interface 0766; Camera Interface 0768; Television Interface 0770;
Keypad 0772 which can include, but is not limited to: the keys
representing any alphanumeric character, the keys representing any
non-alphanumeric character, e.g., ".", "/", a space key, or a
return key; the keys representing any specialized function, e.g.,
direct access to the Internet, email, or text messaging; or any
kind of key or input device enabling the user to navigate around a
web page, e.g., an input device enabling the user to move a cursor
up, down, left, and/or right across a web page and/or pressing the
device to represent an input or "click" of the position located by
the cursor; Clock 0774; Web Browser 0776 which can support any
language including, but not limited to HTML, wireless application
protocol (WAP), and/or wireless markup language (WML); Bluetooth
Processor 0778 which can process signals from Antenna 0324;
Location Processor 0780 which can process signals from a global
positioning system (GPS) Antenna and/or any other device enabling
Wireless Device 0120 to determine its geographical location; Text
Message Application 0782; and/or Display Interface 0784. URMS 0350
can receive and/or transmit information from and to other devices
not pictured in FIG. 3 through one ore more other interfaces,
including, but not limited to: a GPIO interface, a RS-232
interface, a SIM Card interface, and/or a GPS interface.
[0366] The types of data that URMS 0350 and its Modules can
transmit and/or receive internally and externally can include, but
are not limited to: an Advertisement, Ad Data Code 0200, a response
to an Advertisement, Static Information, Dynamic Information,
Feedback Information, and/or any other communication.
[0367] The kinds of APIs that URMS 0350 and its Modules can use to
transmit and/or receive data can include, but are not limited to:
messaging APIs; sockets APIs for access to network protocols; or
communications APIs. URMS 0350 and its Modules can transmit and/or
receive data internally and externally utilizing any kind of
communications protocol, including, but not limited to:
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocol
suite; IrDA protocol suite; SMS protocol; MMS protocol; WAP
protocol; any kind of communications protocol enabling
communications between a Wireless Device Operating System 0346 and
Personal Computer 0308 operating system; any kind of communications
protocol enabling communications between a Wireless Device
Operating System 0346 and STB 0500; any kind of communications
protocol enabling communications between a Wireless Device
Operating System 0346 and any other Media Device 0110; or any other
kind of communications protocol. The means by which URMS 0350 and
its Modules can transmit and/or receive data internally and
externally utilizing the above protocols and APIs are well known to
those with ordinary skill in the art.
2.1.2.3.1 AD DATA CODE MODULE & PAYMENT CODE MODULE
[0368] The following section describes exemplary Modules with which
Ad Data Code Module 0728 and/or Payment Code Module 0730 can
exchange data. As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary
skill in the art, such Modules can exchange data with additional or
alternative Modules, as required.
[0369] An Infrared Module 0702 is configured to receive an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 from one or more Media
Devices 0110 and/or Payment Receipt 1900 from one or more Media
Devices 0110 and/or Payment Device 0134 via Infrared Device 0330
and Infrared Interface 0762. Infrared Module 0702 may also be
configured to enable Wireless Device 0120 to transmit an infrared
signal to another device like a Television STB 0500 to perform
functions such as responding to an Advertisement. Infrared Module
0702 may also be configured to measure whether an user takes an
action with respect to a Product including, but not limited to,
sampling the Product, visiting a retailer, or buying the
Product.
[0370] RFID Module 0704 is configured to receive an Advertisement
and/or Ad Data Code 0200 from one or more Media Devices 0110 and/or
Payment Receipt 1900 from one or more Media Devices 0110 and/or
Payment Device 0134 via RFID Antenna 0334 and RFID Interface 0764.
RFID Module 0704 may also be configured to enable Wireless Device
0120 to transmit a RFID signal to another device to perform
functions like responding to an Advertisement. RFID Module 0704 may
be further configured to measure whether an user takes an action
with respect to a Product including, but not limited to, sampling
the Product, visiting a retailer, or buying the Product.
[0371] Synchronization Module 0706 is configured to receive an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 and/or Payment Receipt 1900
from one or more Media Devices 0100 and/or Payment Device 0134 via
Synchronization Device 0326 and Synchronization Interface 0766
and/or to measure whether an user takes some action with respect to
a Product, including, but not limited to sampling the Product,
visiting a retailer, or buying the Product. Synchronization Module
0706 can enable Wireless Device 0120 to exchange data with any
other device, including, but not limited to: a device residing on
or attached to a network, e.g., a Personal Computer 0308 or
Television 0304, in which case Wireless Device 0120 acts like a
client and the network device acts like a server; a device that
does not reside on or is not attached to a network, e.g., another
Wireless Device, in which case both Wireless Devices can exchange
data on a peer-to-peer basis; or some other device. Synchronization
Module can utilize any kind of protocol to exchange data with other
devices, including, but not limited to: SyncML Representation
Protocol developed by the Open Mobile Alliance; any equivalent or
successor protocols; any other kind of protocol for specifying the
exchange of data across different devices; or any extension to the
protocols enabling the search and retrieval of specific types of
files, including an Ad Data Code 0200.
[0372] Synchronization Interface 0766 enables the Wireless Device
0120 to synchronize with any Media Device 0110, including, but not
limited to: a Television 0304 and a Personal Computer 0308. The
Synchronization Interface 0766 detects and configures the port used
by Wireless Device 0120 to connect to the Media Device 0110. For
example, when Wireless Device 0120 connects to a Personal Computer
0308, the Synchronization Interface 0766 detects and configures the
port, which can include, but is not limited to: a serial port,
e.g., a UART port, a USB port, an IEEE 1394 serial bus port, an
infrared port, a Bluetooth port, a 9- or 25-pin communications
port, and/or an Ethernet or wireless local area network connection
for remote synchronization.
[0373] Barcode Module 0708 is configured to receive an
Advertisement, Ad Data Code 0200, and/or data signaling some action
taken by an user from one or more Media Devices 0110 via Infrared
Device and Infrared Interface 0762, Camera 0332 and Camera
Interface 0768, Barcode Reader 0336, and/or any other I-O Device.
Barcode Module 0708 may also be configured to measure whether an
user takes an action with respect to a Product including, but not
limited to, sampling the Product, visiting a retailer, or buying
the Product.
[0374] Antenna Module 0710 is configured to receive an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 from one or more Media
Devices 0110 and/or Payment Receipt 1900 from one or more Media
Devices 0110 and/or Payment Device 0134 via any Antenna, including,
but not limited to, Antenna 0322, Antenna 0324, Antenna 0338,
and/or Antenna 0339, and Bluetooth Processor 0778 and/or any other
processor that processes signals transmitted or received over any
wireless protocol. Antenna Module 0710 may also be configured to
enable Wireless Device 0120 to transmit a signal to another device
to perform functions like responding to an Advertisement. Antenna
Module 0710 may also be configured to measure whether an user takes
an action with respect to a Product including, but not limited to,
sampling the Product, visiting a retailer, or buying the
Product.
[0375] Timer Module 0712 is configured to measure the time an user
performs an action or receives certain information, amount of time
(e.g., duration) of certain events/actions, and/or difference in
time between certain user events/actions. For example, MMCMS Module
0400 can call Timer Module 0712 to record the time Wireless Device
0120 (or Non-Wireless Device 0122) receives an Advertisement and
the time the user of the device performs a task related to the
interest the user has in the Product advertised or the user's
response to an Advertisement. For example, Payment Code Module 0730
can call Timer Module 0712 to record the time the user buys the
Product advertised. These measurements can enable an Advertiser to
measure the difference in time between the time the user views an
Advertisement and the time the user buys the Product advertised. In
an embodiment, any Module can call Timer Module 0712 to record the
time an user views and Advertisement and/or the time an user
responds to an Advertisement.
[0376] Counter Module 0714 is configured to measures the number of
times the user of Wireless Device 0120 performs certain actions.
Any Module can record if an user of Wireless Device 0120 performs
an action one or more times. For example, if the user views the
same Advertisement multiple times, Counter Module 0714 can measure
the number of times the user views the Advertisement. In this
example, Web Browser 0776 can read if the user calls the same IP
address on the Internet or the same file in Memory 0012. The number
of times an user views an Advertisement can be one variable URMA
Module 0744 measures to generate a score reflecting the degree of
response of the user to the Advertisement.
[0377] Event Handler Module 0716 is configured to measure whether
Wireless Device 0120 user performs certain actions. For example, if
the user opens a particular text message, Event Handler Module 0716
can record the opening and call Timer Module 0712 to record the
time the user opens the message. The time that the user opens the
message can be one variable URMA Module 0744 measures to generate a
score reflecting the degree of response of the user to the
Advertisement.
[0378] Keypad Module 0718 is configured to measure whether a
Wireless Device 0120 user inputs into the device or selects
utilizing Keypad 0772 the name, phone number, email address,
uniform resource locator (URL), short code, address, and/or other
alphanumeric representation of the vendor, retailer, or Product
advertised.
[0379] Mapping Module 0720 is configured to measure whether a
Wireless Device 0120 user visits a physical retailer or a
department of the Retailer. Mapping Module 0720 coordinates with
Location Processor 0780 and one or more external databases such as
GMLC 0160 and URMS Map Database 0162 to measure such activity. In
one embodiment, other Modules can call Mapping Module 0720 to
record the location of the user when viewing or responding to an
Advertisement.
[0380] Search Module 0722 is configured to measure whether a
Wireless Device 0120 user searches through a browser, text message,
or any other method to access information such as the vendor,
Product, or retailer advertised. In addition, Search Module 0722 is
configured to measure whether a Wireless Device 0120 user views an
Advertisement when presented with an Advertisement at a given
search engine web site.
[0381] Screen Module 0724 is configured to measure whether a
Wireless Device 0120 user inputs into the device or selects
utilizing Display Interface 0784 any response to a function on a
web page or any other kind of program or menu enabling an user to
interact with it. The user can input a response by utilizing any
kind of device that touches the screen of the device, e.g., the
finger of the user, a stylus, or any other kind of pointing
device.
[0382] Audio Module 0726 is configured to measure whether Wireless
Device 0120 user inputs into the device or selects utilizing
Microphone Interface 0760 any response to a function on a web page
or any other kind of program or menu enabling an user to interact
with it through audio means. The user can input a response, e.g.,
selecting an option among a menu, by speaking into Microphone 0328.
The Module can record if the user selected a particular response
through a variety of means, including, but not limited to: an
Advertiser System 0100 can transmit to Wireless Device 0120 an Ad
Data Code 0200 associated with the response or option selected by
the user; Advertiser System 0100, a Wireless Operator, or a Third
Party Server 0150 can convert speech to text and then review the
text to determine which response or option the user selected;
Wireless Device 0120 can initiate a voice call by speaking a phone
number that matches a phone number in Ad Data File 0734, which
Audio Module 0726 can recognize by Wireless Device 0120 converting
the speech to text; or Wireless Device 0120 can initiate a web page
request by speaking a URL that matches a URL in Ad Data File 0734,
which Audio Module 0726 can recognize by Wireless Device 0120
converting the speech to text.
[0383] For example, Wireless Device 0120 user can listen to a menu
of options of potential hotels or motels while driving. The menu
can be provided by a web site or a service provided by a Wireless
Operator or Third Party Server 0150 accessed by the user, which
enables the user to interact with the site or service through audio
commands. The user can select one option, e.g., one hotel, to
contact through Wireless Device 0120. The device can contact the
hotel through a variety of means, including, but not limited to:
making a voice call to the hotel or transmitting a data connection
to the hotel. When the user selects one hotel and the device
contacts the hotel, the hotel can transmit to the device an Ad Data
Code 0200 associated with the response. In this example, Advertiser
System 0100, i.e., a server operated by the hotel, can measure
whether Wireless Device 0120 user "viewed" its Advertisement by
selecting the hotel among a menu of hotels by speaking into the
device. To enable Advertiser System 0100 to measure whether the
user responded to the Advertisement, other Modules, e.g., Mapping
Module 0720 or Payment Code Module 0730, can measure if the user
visited the hotel or purchased a room at the hotel,
respectively.
2.1.2.3.2 DATA STORAGE
[0384] Data Storage Module 0732 is configured to store the data
collected from Modules that can generate and/or collect data for
processing by other systems, applications, or Modules such as URMA
Module 0744. Data Storage Module 0732 includes an Ad Data File
0734, an Ad Reception File 0736, and/or an Ad Response File 0738.
Data Storage Module 0732 can store data in any Memory 0012 that is
part of Wireless Device 0120, including, but not limited to, RAM
0006, flash memory, Mass Storage 0010, and/or a SIM card.
[0385] Ad Data File 0734 contains the Ad Files created by MMCMS
Module 0400. An Ad File is the combination of Ad Data Code 0200 and
any information added by MMCMS Module 0400 describing the
characteristics of an Advertisement, e.g., the time an user of
Wireless Device 0200 viewed such Advertisement, that would enable
the URMS to measure if, when, how, and/or to what degree an user
responds to the Advertisement.
[0386] FIG. 10A shows an exemplary template for an Ad File
associated with each Ad Data Code 0200, according to embodiments of
the present invention. The objective of the Ad File is to provide
data to Wireless Device 0120 enabling it both: (a) to measure if,
through what Media Device 0110, when, and/or where Wireless Device
0120 user views an Advertisement distributed through any Media
Channel, including, but not limited to: Wireless Base Station 0302,
Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor Media
Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product Package 0314, or
Other Wireless Device 0316; and/or (b) to measure if, when, how,
and/or to what degree the user responds to the Advertisement.
[0387] The type of data enabling the measurement can include, but
is not limited to: the transmitting device through which Wireless
Device 0120 receives Ad Data Code 0200, which is measured by the
appropriate Module as described in FIG. 10B; the time when Wireless
Device 0120 receives Ad Data Code 0200, the location of Wireless
Device 0120 when it receives Ad Data Code 0200, an Ad Identifier
supplied by Advertiser System 0100, which identifies each unique
Advertisement if the Advertiser wants to measure the effectiveness
of the Advertisement; Ad Elements (defined in FIG. 58), which
Advertiser System 0100 associates with the Advertisement to help
enable Advertiser System 0100 to measure the effectiveness of a
given Ad Element; Element Versions (defined in FIG. 59), which
Advertiser System 0100 associates with the Advertisement to help
enable Advertiser System 0100 to measure the effectiveness of a
given Element Version; Media Channel, which Advertiser System 0100
associates with the Advertisement to help enable Advertiser System
0100 to measure the effectiveness of a given Media Channel; data
identifying the vendor of the Product advertised to enable Modules
0400 and 0702 through 0726 to match any user response associating
the vendor name with an Advertisement by the vendor; data
identifying the Product advertised, either utilizing the name of
the Product, a code for the Product, e.g., UPC, EAN, GTIN, or
another means of identifying a given Product, to enable Modules
0400 and 0702 through 0726 to match any user response associating
the Product with an Advertisement of the Product; data identifying
the brand advertised to enable Modules 0400 and 0702 through 0726
to match any user response associating the brand with an
Advertisement of the brand; data identifying the Retailer
advertised to enable Modules 0400 and 0702 through 0726 to match
any user response associating the Retailer with an Advertisement of
the Retailer; data identifying the Retailer street address
advertised to enable Mapping Module 0720 to match any location of
Wireless Device 0120 with the address advertised; data identifying
the Retailer city advertised to enable Mapping Module 0720 to match
any location of Wireless Device 0120 with the city advertised; data
identifying the URL advertised to enable Keypad Module 0718, Search
Module 0722, and/or any other Module to match any user response
associating the URL with an Advertisement including the URL; data
identifying the email address advertised to enable Modules 0400 and
0702 through 0726 to match any user response associating the email
address with an Advertisement including the email address; data
identifying the phone number advertised to enable Modules 0400 and
0702 through 0726 to match any user response associating the phone
number with an Advertisement including the phone number; data
identifying the short code or text messaging address advertised to
enable Modules 0400 and 0702 through 0726 to match any user
response associating the short code or text messaging address with
an Advertisement including the short code or text messaging
address; and/or data identifying the category of the Product
advertised.
[0388] An Advertiser can supply the above data for transmission
directly to Wireless Device 0120 and/or indirectly through any
Media Device 0110, including, but not limited to: Wireless Base
Station 0302, Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308,
Outdoor Media Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product
Package 0314, or Other Wireless Device 0316. Advertiser System 0100
can supply the data in one file or multiple files.
[0389] Ad Reception File 0736 contains information that can enable
an Advertiser to measure and compare the effectiveness of
advertising transmitted through different Media Devices 0110. In an
embodiment, Ad Reception File 0736 contains information about how
many Advertisements through any given Media Device an user of
Wireless Device 0120 views for a given Product over a given time
period.
[0390] Ad Response File 0738 contains information about if, when,
how, and/or to what degree a Wireless Device 0120 user performs
certain actions related to a Product, vendor, and/or Retailer in
Advertisements viewed by the user. Any Module that collects data
about Wireless Device 0120 user response to an Advertisement stores
the values it collects in Ad Response File 0738.
[0391] Payment Data File 0740 contains information about any data
generated and/or collected by Payment Code Module 0730.
[0392] Matching Event File 0742 contains information about any data
generated by URMA Module 0744.
2.1.2.3.3 USER RESPONSE MEASUREMENT APPLICATION (URMA) MODULE
[0393] While the present invention teaches how a URMA Module 0744
can calculate the ROI of a given Advertisement by utilizing data
generated and/or collected by modules and/or devices described in
the present invention, URMA Module 0744 can calculate the ROI of a
given Advertisement by utilizing data generated and/or collected by
other modules and/or devices not described in the present
invention.
[0394] Generally, the URMA Module 0744 calculates the denominator
of the ROI for a given Media Channel by summing the number of
Advertisements received by all users exposed only to the Media
Device 0110 or Media Channel. For example, while most users in any
population will receive Advertisements for a given Product through
multiple media channels, some users in the population will receive
the Advertisements through only Television 0304. The URMA Module
0744 calculates the ROI denominator by summing the number of
Television Advertisements received by the users. The URMA Module
0744 calculates the average User Response Score for just the users
and divides the User Response Score by the ROI denominator. This
method can enable an Advertiser to determine how users respond
solely to Television advertising.
[0395] In one embodiment, URMA Module 0744 can be located in URMS
0350, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In another embodiment, URMS 0350
can transmit the data collected by its Modules to a Wireless
Operator, which can have a computer program product perform the
functions of URMA Module 0744 on the data. In another embodiment,
URMS 0350 can transmit the data collected by its Modules to
Advertiser System 0100, which can have a computer program product
perform the functions of URMA Module 0744 on the data. In another
embodiment, URMS 0350 can transmit the data collected by its
Modules to a Third Party Server 0150 (instead of Wireless Operator
or Advertiser System 0100), which can have a computer program
product perform the functions of URMA Module 0744 on the data.
[0396] In another embodiment, a Third Party Server 0150 can
directly collect the same data collected by the URMS 0350 Modules
that measure both if an user views an Advertisement and how an user
responds to an Advertisement and then execute a computer program
product that performs the functions of URMA Module 0744 on the
data. For example, a Third Party Server 0150 can directly collect
data on the Advertisements viewed by an user from a TV Operator or
Internet Server 6940 in FIG. 69. In addition, a Third Party Server
0150 can directly collect from a credit/debit card vendor the data
on the payments made by an user if the user utilizes a credit/debit
card to buy the Product promoted in a given Advertisement.
[0397] URMA Module 0744 is configured to generate an User Response
Score, which reflects the degree of responsiveness of an user to a
unique Advertisement, and sum the number of Advertisements viewed
by the user to calculate the ROI. In the preferred embodiment, the
URMA Module 0744 calculates the User Response Score by summing the
Products of each variable measuring the degree of user
responsiveness to an Advertisement by their respective weights. An
Advertiser can calculate a ROI by dividing the average User
Response Score by the number of Advertisements transmitted to the
users.
[0398] An Advertiser can compare the ROI across different Media
Channels in one embodiment as follows. An Advertiser can calculate
the ROI for a given Media Device 0110 by taking the average User
Response Score for those users who received Advertisements through
only the Media Device 0110 and dividing the User Response Score by
the number of those Advertisements transmitted to the users. For
example, some users in any population will receive Advertisements
for a given Product through a Wireless Device 0120. The URMS
calculates the average User Response Score for just the users and
divides the User Response Score by the number of wireless
Advertisements received by the users to generate the ROI for
Advertisements distributed through Wireless Devices 0120. Other
users in any population will receive Advertisements for a given
Product through only Television 0304. The URMS calculates the
average User Response Score for just the users and divides the User
Response Score by the number of Television Advertisements received
by the users to generate the ROI for Advertisements distributed
through Television 0304. The Advertiser then compares the ROI of
wireless Advertisements against the ROI of Television
Advertisements to determine which Media Device advertising was more
effective.
[0399] FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary table comparing user responses
to Wireless Advertisements and Television Advertisements.
[0400] URMA Module 0744 can calculate a ROI to enable an Advertiser
to: (a) determine whether the benefit of any given Advertisement is
greater or less than its cost; and/or (b) compare the ROI of
Advertisements across different Media Devices 0110 and/or Media
Channels. URMA Module 0744 can calculate the ROI for an individual
user and/or a group of users. For any given individual user, URMA
Module 0744 can calculate the ROI for a given Advertisement, those
Advertisements promoting a given Product, those Advertisements
promoting a given brand, those Advertisements through any given
Media Device 0110, e.g., Television 0304, those Advertisements
through any given Media Channel, e.g., a given cable television
network, and/or those Advertisements from Advertiser System 0100.
For any given group of users, Advertiser System 0100 can sum the
data collected from each of the users in the group to calculate the
ROI in each of the above categories.
[0401] To generate the denominator of the ROI for an individual
user over a given time period, URMA Module 0744 can utilize values
from Ad Data File 0734 and Ad File Template 1000, as illustrated in
FIG. 10, to sum the number of Advertisements viewed by the user
during the time period. To determine a ROI on an economic or
financial basis, an Advertiser can multiply the number of each
Advertisement by the average unit cost it paid to distribute the
Advertisement.
[0402] To generate the numerator of the ROI for an individual user
during the time period, URMA Module 0744 can utilize values from
one or more of the following variables from Ad Response File 0738
and Table 1200 in FIG. 12. Table 1200 shows the different variables
measuring how an user can respond to any given Advertisement, which
can include, but are not limited to: [0403] 1. The number of times
user views an Advertisement. [0404] 2. The amount of time an user
spends viewing an Advertisement. [0405] 3. The number of times an
user clicks the links in an Advertisement. [0406] 4. The number of
times an user views an Advertisement again. [0407] 5. The number of
times an user requests information on the Product. [0408] 6. The
number of times an user requests information on a retailer where
the user can buy the Product. [0409] 7. The number of times an user
inputs the number, short code, or name of the Product, vendor, or
retailer. [0410] 8. The number of times an user inputs the URL of
the Product, vendor, or retailer. [0411] 9. The number of times an
user visits a physical retailer. [0412] 10. The number of times an
user visits a department of a physical retailer selling the
Product. [0413] 11. The number of times an user samples the Product
at a physical retailer. [0414] 12. The number of times an user buys
the Product at any retailer, e.g., a physical or online retailer.
[0415] 13. The number of times an user buys the Product again.
[0416] 14. The difference in time between the time an user views an
Advertisement and the time the user performs a task on Wireless
Device 0120 that reflects a response to the Advertisement.
[0417] In other embodiments, URMA Module 0744 can utilize values
from other variables that can be measured by the Modules in FIG. 7.
The addition of new Modules measuring different types of user
responses to an Advertisement can enable URMA Module 0744 to add
more variables.
[0418] Each of the above variables represents different degrees of
responsiveness of an user to an Advertisement. Most Advertisers
would consider a high value of Variable 12 and Variable 13 to
represent the most effective response to an Advertisement.
[0419] Using the systems and methods described herein, an
Advertiser can measure the effectiveness of an Advertisement not
only by measuring whether and how often an user buys a Product
advertised, but also by measuring responses to an Advertisement
that are short of buying the Product advertised yet still
indicative of user interest in the Product advertised. Even if an
Advertisement produced a low value on Variable 12 and Variable 13,
an Advertisement that produced a high value on one or more of
Variables 1-11 could still reflect significant user interest in the
Product advertised that could produce high scores on Variable 12
and Variable 13 in the long-term. Most of these intermediate
variables are data that Advertisers cannot measure reliably with
current technology. The systems and methods described herein enable
an Advertiser to measure such intermediate variables.
[0420] Different Advertisers can value different variables
differently. To some Advertisers, an user sampling of a Product can
be a reliable predictor of the user buying the Product. For
example, some research suggests that a test drive of an automobile
often leads to a purchase of the automobile. In this example, an
automobile Advertiser could attribute a high weight on the value of
Variable 11. To other Advertisers, an user sampling of a Product
can be an unreliable predictor of the user buying the Product. For
example, a vendor of raw meat or seafood typically cannot enable
potential customers to sample its Product. In this example, a raw
meat or seafood Advertiser could attribute a low weight on the
value of Variable 11.
[0421] An Advertiser can apply any kind of formula it wishes to
generate the numerator of the ROI. In one embodiment, URMA Module
0744 can apply the following formula ("Weighted Sum Formula") to
generate an User Response Score (URS), which can reflect the
overall degree of responsiveness of an user to an Advertisement.
URS=[(Variable 1)*(Weight 1)]+[(Variable 2)*(Weight 2)]+[(Variable
3)*(Weight 3)]+ . . . +[(Variable n)*(Weight n)] The sum of Weights
1-n should total 100%.
[0422] URMA Module 0744 can utilize the User Response Score as the
numerator in the ROI. URMA Module 0744 can utilize the ROI Category
preferred by Advertiser System 0100 as the denominator in the ROI.
To generate one measure of ROI, URMA Module 0744 can divide the
User Response Score by the Number of Advertisements in any given
ROI Category.
[0423] Utilizing the User Response Score as the numerator could
make it difficult for an Advertiser to isolate the effect that a
unique Advertisement, Advertisements distributed through a given
Media Device 0110, and Advertisements distributed through a given
Media Channel will have on the ROI for Categories 1, 4, and 5,
respectively. The overall User Response Score can measure the
response of an user to multiple unique Advertisements,
Advertisements distributed through multiple Media Devices 0110, and
Advertisements distributed through multiple Media Channels. For
example, an user can receive two or more unique Advertisements
promoting Product named XYZ with UPC Code 123456789012. The User
Response Score could measure, e.g., the purchase of Product XYZ.
Without some factor directly linking the purchase of Product XYZ to
a specific unique Advertisement, an Advertiser could find it
difficult to determine how to attribute which purchases of Product
XYZ to which unique Advertisement. Similarly, an user can receive
Advertisements for Product XYZ through both Television 0304 and
Personal Computer 0308 or an user can receive Advertisements for
Product XYZ through both broadcast television network 1 and cable
television network 2.
[0424] In the case of ROI Categories 1, 4, and 5, URMA Module 0744
can utilize the User Response Score of just those user responses
for which the user receives just one unique Advertisement, the user
receives Advertisements distributed through a single Media Device
0110, and the user receives Advertisements distributed through a
single Media Channel, respectively. Narrowing the denominator to
the measures can enable an Advertiser to attribute any user
response to one unique Advertisement, one Media Device 0110, or one
Media Channel.
[0425] In the case of ROI Categories 2, 3, and 6, URMA Module 0744
can utilize the User Response Score of all user responses. If an
Advertiser wants to calculate the ROI for all Advertisements
transmitted to the user promoting a unique Product (Category 2),
Advertiser System 0100 can utilize the User Response Score
measuring the response of the user relating to the Product
advertised as identified by the Product name and/or UPC Code.
[0426] For a group of users, an Advertiser System 0100 can utilize
the sum of the User Response Score of the user group as the
numerator and the number of Advertisements in any given ROI
Category as the denominator to calculate the ROI. Just as in the
case of calculating a ROI for an individual user, utilizing all of
the User Response Scores as the numerator could make it difficult
for an Advertiser to isolate the effect that a unique
Advertisement, Advertisements distributed through a given Media
Device 0110, and Advertisements distributed through a given Media
Channel will have on the ROI for Categories 1, 4, and 5,
respectively.
[0427] In the case of Categories 1, 4, and 5 for a group of users,
URMA Module 0744 can utilize the User Response Score of just those
users for which the users receive just one unique Advertisement,
the users receive Advertisements distributed through a single Media
Device 0110, and the users receive Advertisements distributed
through a single Media Channel, respectively. Narrowing the
denominator to the measures can enable an Advertiser to attribute
the responses of the group of users to one unique Advertisement,
one Media Device 0110, or one Media Channel.
[0428] For example, an Advertiser can calculate the ROI across two
different Media Devices 0110. Some users in any group of users will
receive Advertisements for Product named XYZ with UPC Code
123456789012 only through the Wireless Base Station 0302. An
Advertiser can reliably attribute any user responses, e.g.,
purchases of Product XYZ among the users, to Advertisements
received through Wireless Base Station 0302. URMA Module 0744 can
calculate the ROI for Advertisements distributed through Wireless
Base Station 0302 by utilizing the User Response Score of just the
users.
[0429] Other users in the group of users will receive
Advertisements for Product XYZ with UPC Code 123456789012 only
through Television 0304. Advertiser System 0100 can reliably
attribute any user responses, e.g., purchases of Product XYZ among
the users, to Advertisements received through Television 0304. URMA
Module 0744 can calculate the ROI for Advertisements distributed
through Television 0304 by utilizing the User Response Score of
just the users.
[0430] The Advertiser can then compare the ROI of wireless
Advertisements against the ROI of Television Advertisements to
determine which Advertisement was more effective. The larger the
group of users whose scores the Advertiser can measure, the greater
the probability that there will be a significant number of users
who receive Advertisements through one Media Device 0110 or one
Media Channel and the higher the reliability of any ROI calculation
of Advertisements through the Media Device 0110 or Media
Channel.
2.1.2.3.4 EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATION OF URMS
[0431] FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary
implementation of a URMS in a Wireless Device 0120 as a software
application program operating on top of an operating system, such
as Operating System 0346 of FIG. 3, according to embodiments of the
present invention. In one embodiment, the component Modules of URMS
0350 can receive and/or transmit data from and/or to Peripheral
Devices 0800 in Wireless Device 0120 through Operating System 0346.
Peripheral Devices 0800 can include, but are not limited to, one or
more of the devices numbered from 0760 through 0784 in FIG. 7.
[0432] Some operating systems do not permit a software application
program to access directly a hardware device. For use with such
operating systems, Kernel 0820 accesses hardware devices through
one or more Device Drivers 0810. A Device Driver 0810 can provide a
Device's API 0830 to which URMS Thread 0840 can link. URMS Thread
0840 can access a hardware device through API 0830 either
synchronously or asynchronously.
[0433] In addition, some operating systems do not permit a software
application program to access directly another software
application. For use with such operating systems, Kernel 0820
coordinates access to the applications. FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary
access by URMS Thread 0840 to another application, e.g., Text
Message Application Thread 0860, through Kernel 0820.
[0434] In another embodiment, URMS 0350 can operate with an
operating system that permits the component Modules of URMS 0350 to
receive and/or transmit information directly from and/or to
Peripheral Devices 0800 in Wireless Device 0120. In another
embodiment, URMS 0350 can operate as an applet in a virtual machine
operating on top of Operating System 0346.
2.1.2.4 Multiple Media Channel Measurement System (MMCMS)
[0435] The present invention includes a system and related methods
for a Wireless Device to measure if, through what Media Device
0110, when, and/or where a wireless user views an Advertisement
distributed through any Media Channel to determine the
effectiveness of the Advertisement. The present invention refers to
the system as the MMCMS. The MMCMS comprises a MMCMS Module 0400
for converting an Ad Data Code 0200 into an Ad File, the I-O
Devices of one or more Wireless Devices 0120, described above in
Section 2.1.2.2.1, one or more Media Devices 0110, described above
in Section 2.1.2.1, and the associated I-O Devices of the Media
Devices 0110.
[0436] The MMCMS can enable Advertiser System 0100 to measure not
only the ROI of an Advertisement transmitted by Wireless Base
Station 0302 to Wireless Device 0120, but also the ROI of an
Advertisement transmitted by Media Devices 0110 other than Wireless
Base Station 0302. An Advertiser can find it difficult to measure
with current approaches if, when, how, and/or to what degree an
user responds to an Advertisement distributed through many Media
Devices 0110. There exist approaches for measuring whether an user
views an Advertisement through devices like Television 0304 and
Radio 0306 and whether an user responds to an Advertisement
distributed to devices enabling the user to send to an Advertiser a
response like Personal Computer 0308 and Wireless Device 0120. An
Advertiser can measure whether an user buys a Product in response
to an Advertisement distributed to Personal Computer 0308 or
Wireless Device 0120 as long as the user buys the Product at an
online vendor or retailer.
[0437] However, these approaches generally do not measure whether
an user takes actions short of buying a Product advertised yet
still indicative of user interest in the Product advertised.
Moreover, these approaches generally do not measure whether an user
buys a Product at a physical vendor or retailer. The MMCMS can
enable Advertiser System 0100 to measure and compare the ROI of
Advertisements distributed through multiple Media Devices 0110.
[0438] FIG. 13 depicts a diagram of a specific embodiment of the
MMCMS exchanging data in the case of a Television Advertisement,
according to embodiment of the present invention. A Television can
transmit and/or receive an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200
to and/or from Wireless Device 0120 through a variety of means,
including, but not limited to: Television 1300 transmitting an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 through Speaker 1302 through
Medium 1304, which can be a physical air channel to Microphone 1306
of Wireless Device 1308; Television 1310 transmitting an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 through Antenna 1312, which
can have the same or similar functions of Antenna 0324, through
Medium 1314, which can be an electromagnetic channel, to Antenna
1316, which can have the same or similar functions of Antenna 0324
to Wireless Device 1318; Television 1320 transmitting an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 through Synchronization
Device 1322, which can have the same or similar functions of
Synchronization Device 0326, through Medium 1324, which can be a
wired channel, to Synchronization Device 1326, which can have the
same or similar functions of Synchronization Device 0326, to
Wireless Device 1328; Television 1330 transmitting an Advertisement
and/or Ad Data Code 0200 through Infrared Device 1332, which can
have the same or similar functions of Infrared Device 0330, through
Medium 1334, which can be a wireless channel supporting infrared
communications, to Infrared Device 1336, which can have the same or
similar functions of Infrared Device 0330, to Wireless Device 1330.
In another embodiment, the MMCMS can support any other kind of
means of transmitting an Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200
from any other kind of device attached to a Television 0304.
2.1.3 PAYMENT ARCHITECTURE
[0439] FIG. 14 depicts a functional block diagram of a portion of
System 0090 measuring an user response to an Advertisement by
purchasing a Product at a Retailer, according to embodiments of the
present invention. The payment portion of the system includes
Wireless Device 0120, Third Party Server 0150, POS System 0130,
Retailer Server 0140, and Network 1470.
[0440] Wireless Device 0120 is configured to transmit to Code
Reader 0132 any Ad Data Code 0200 and/or Ad Data File 0734 and/or
exchange with Payment Device 0134 any data needed to execute the
purchase of one or more Products. Section 2.1.2.2 above described
in detail Wireless Device 0120.
[0441] POS System 0130 includes one or more components, including,
but not limited to: Code Reader 0132; Payment Device 0134; NFC
Device 1400; Control Unit 1410; Receipt Printer 1430, which can be
any device which prints in physical form a receipt of the
Product(s) purchased by an user of Wireless Device 0120; and
Communication Device 1420, which can be any device enabling the
exchange of data between POS System 0130 and Retailer Server 0140
either directly or through Network 1470. FIG. 15 depicts an
exemplary process for any contactless device, including Wireless
Device 0120, to exchange data with a Payment Device 0134, according
to embodiments of the present invention.
[0442] NFC Device 1400 is a Data Processing System configured to
enable Payment Device 0134 to exchange data with Wireless Device
0120 and/or any other device utilizing the NFC or any other
contactless standard. NFC Device 1400 can comprise at least a
Processor 0004 designed to process data utilizing such standard and
a Communications Interface 0014 designed to transmit and/or receive
signals utilizing such standard.
[0443] Control Unit 1410 is configured to perform one or more of
the following functions, including, but not limited to: receive
from Code Reader 0132 any Ad Data Code 0200 and/or parsing from the
Code the unique code identifying the Product promoted in a given
Advertisement; receive from Payment Device 0134 any data enabling
Wireless Device 0120 to pay for one or more Products; transmit to
Retailer Server 0140 a request to look up the name of the Product
associated with the unique code identifying the Product promoted in
a given Advertisement, and/or the unit price of the Product;
receive from Retailer Server 0140 a file containing the data
constituting Payment Receipt 1900; transmit to Receipt Printer 1430
a file containing the data constituting Payment Receipt 1900, a
physical copy of which Receipt Printer 1430 can print for user;
and/or transmit to Payment Device 0134 a file containing the data
constituting Payment Receipt 1900, an electronic copy of which
Payment Device 0134 can transmit to Wireless Device 0120 through
NFC Device 1400.
[0444] Retailer Server 0140 includes one or more components,
including, but not limited to: Communication Device 1440, Control
Unit 1442, PLU Database 1450, Transaction Database 1452, and/or
Customer Database 1454. Although Retailer Server 0140 in the
present embodiment can include separate databases for PLU Database
1450, Transaction Database 1452, and Customer Database 1454,
Retailer Server 0140 can include any one or more combination of
databases which include data in databases 1450, 1452, and 1454.
Retailer Server 0140 can be integrated with POS System 0130,
collocated with POS System 0130, or located separately from POS
System 0130 either in or outside a given store. In one embodiment,
Retailer Server 0140 can include Retailer user response measurement
system (RURS) 1460, which is a computer program product capable of
performing one or more the functions performed by URMS 0350. In an
embodiment, RURS 1460 can receive, process, store, and/or transmit
any data, including, but not limited to, data in: Ad Data Codes
0200, Payment Receipts 1900, Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File
0738, Payment Data File 0740, and/or Matching Event File 0742. In
addition, RURS 1460 can transmit through Network 1470 any of the
data to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through Third
Party Server 0150. RURS 1460 can find matches between any Product
purchased and any Product promoted in an Advertisement viewed by
user of Wireless Device 0120 through one or more means, including,
but not limited to, the following steps: (1) search through Payment
Receipt 1900, Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, or
any other database at POS System 0130, Retailer Server 0140, and/or
any other server containing the data for the unique code, e.g.,
UPC/EAN/GTIN, identifying any Product purchased by user of Wireless
Device 0120; (2) search through any Ad Data Code 0200 and/or Ad
Data File 0734 received from Wireless Device 0120 for the unique
code of any Product purchased by user of Wireless Device 0120; (3)
match data, e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN or name of Product, in any file
containing data on the Advertisements viewed by the user and any
file containing data on the Products purchased by the user; and/or
(4) write any matching data to Matching Event File 0742.
[0445] Control Unit 1442 is configured to receive from POS System
0130 a request to look up the name of the Product associated with
the unique code identifying the Product promoted in a given
Advertisement, and/or the unit price of the Product; and/or
transmit to POS System 0130 a file containing the data constituting
Payment Receipt 1900;
[0446] Network 1470, over which Retailer Server 0140 can transmit
to Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device 0110, Advertiser
directly, and/or Third Party Server 0150 indirectly any data,
including, but not limited to, data in: Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment
Receipts 1900, Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, Payment
Data File 0740, and/or Matching Event File 0742. Network 1470 can
be any type of network, including, but not limited to: WLAN 0030
and/or WWAN 0032, e.g., the Internet.
[0447] FIG. 16A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary PLU
Database, according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG.
16B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary Transaction Database,
according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 16C is a
diagram illustrating an exemplary Customer Database, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0448] FIG. 17 depicts a functional block diagram of an exemplary
Wireless Device 0120 with a URMS 0350 capable of communicating with
a NFC Chip 1700, according to embodiments of the present invention.
Wireless Device 0120 may include Processor 0004; Bus 0002;
Operating System 0346; URMS 0350, which can be stored in Memory
(not shown); Financial Account Data 0750, which can be stored in
Memory (not shown); NFC Module 0758, which can be stored in Memory
(not shown); and/or NFC Chip 1700, which can include an integrated
Microcontroller 1720; Microcontroller 1740, if NFC Chip 1700 does
not include an integrated Microcontroller, and/or NFC Antenna 0338.
In the present apparatus, URMS 0350 can transmit and/or receive
data from and/or to any Module in URMS 0350, e.g., data in Ad Data
File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, Payment Data File 0740, and/or
Financial Account Data 0750, to and/or from NFC Chip 1700 through
Operating System 0346, Processor 0004, and Bus 0002. In another
embodiment, URMS 0350 can transmit and/or receive data, e.g., data
in Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, Payment Data File
0740, and/or Financial Account Data 0750, to and/or from NFC Chip
1700 through one or more other means, including, but not limited
to: directly to and/or from NFC Chip 1700 through Bus 0002, or
indirectly to and/or from NFC Chip 1700 through Processor 0004 and
Bus 0002.
[0449] NFC Chip 1700 can comprise components, including, but not
limited to: Wireless Device Interface 1710, which can support one
or more interfaces with Wireless Device 0120, including, but not
limited to: Serial UART, USB, any other standard interfaces, or any
proprietary interfaces; an integrated Microcontroller 1720, which
can manage communication with either or both the RF interface and
Wireless Device 0120; RX 1722, which can receive signals from
Payment Device 0134; TX 1724, which can transmit signals to Payment
Device 0134; and/or NFC Antenna 0338. NFC Chip 1700 can include
other components not included in FIG. 17 that are necessary to
implement the NFC standard and/or enable URMS 0350 to exchange data
with NFC Chip 1700.
[0450] In another embodiment, the present system can include a SIM
card. NFC Chip 1700 can enable the SIM card to interoperate with
NFC Antenna 0338 through a standard interface.
2.2 METHODS
[0451] The present invention can support the measurement of an user
viewing an Advertisement regardless of whether the user views the
Advertisement in the Media Program or Media Location in which an
Advertiser originally transmitted the Advertisement. New
technologies and products are enabling an user to view an
Advertisement: (1) at a different time than when an Advertiser
and/or Media Operator originally transmitted the Advertisement to
any Media Device 0110, e.g., when an user records a Media Program
and the Advertisements transmitted during such Media Program and
views the Media Program and Advertisements at a later time; and/or
(2) independently of the Media Program with which an Advertiser
originally transmitted the Advertisement, e.g., when an user views
an Advertisement that is transmitted as a file not associated with
any Media Program or Media Location like an user downloading an
Advertisement from a Web site or receiving an Advertisement as an
attachment to an email.
[0452] By associating an Ad Data Code 0200 with any Advertisement,
the present invention can enable the measurement of an user viewing
the Advertisement regardless of whether the user views the
Advertisement at a different time than when an Advertiser and/or
Media Operator originally transmitted the Advertisement or the user
views the Advertisement as a file not associated with any Media
Program or Media Location. The present invention describes a
variety of means of associating an Ad Data Code 0200 with any
Advertisement in Section 2.2.1.
[0453] FIG. 18 depicts a flowchart 1800 of a method for measuring
details related to user viewing of an Advertisement and/or user
response(s) to one or more viewed Advertisements, according to
embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can
implement the present method by executing a subset of the steps
depicted in flowchart 1800, executing the steps in different order,
and/or executing other or additional related or equivalent
steps.
[0454] In step 1802, an Advertiser produces an Advertisement which
may include an Ad Data Code 0200. Advertiser System 0100 transmits
the Advertisement and associated Ad Data Code 0200 to a Media
Operator 0104. In another embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can
transmit the Advertisement and associated Ad Data Code 0200 to the
Media Devices 0110 directly. In one embodiment, the Advertiser can
provide an economic incentive, e.g., a coupon, for the user to
record the code into his/her Wireless Device 0120 by including in
Ad Data Code 0200 the basic UCC Coupon Code, the UCC/EAN 128 Coupon
Extended Code, the corresponding version for any given
country/region, or any other type of code that can enable Code
Reader 0132 to record an economic incentive. In another embodiment,
an Advertiser can produce an Advertisement without any economic
incentive for the user to record the code into his/her Wireless
Device 0120 and just transmit the Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code
0200 to a Media Operator 0104. In another embodiment, an Advertiser
can produce a separate Advertisement and Ad Data Code 0200 that
describes the Advertisement and can transmit each file to a Media
Operator 0104.
[0455] In step 1804, a Media Operator 0104 transmits to any Media
Device 0110 the Advertisement, which can include an Ad Data Code
0200, in a Media Program and specifically in a Media Location. In
another embodiment, an Advertiser can produce an Advertisement
which can include an Ad Data Code 0200 and transmit the
Advertisement to a Media Operator 0104, which can add additional
data to the Code, e.g., data identifying the Media Operator 0104,
Media Program, Media Location, date, and/or time in or during which
the Advertisement is placed.
[0456] In step 1806, an user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or a
Target Customer views an Advertisement on any Media Device 0110. As
described above, an user may view an ad visually (e.g., viewing on
a display) or aurally (e.g., listening from a speaker). An
Advertiser typically transmits an Advertisement as a separate or
discrete programs or files during the transmission of a program or
file viewed, heard, and/or read by an user. For example, an
Advertiser typically transmits an Advertisement, e.g., a 30-second
Advertisement, on Television 0304 before or after a Television
program or segment of the Television program. However, an
Advertiser can have a Television program or segment of the
Television program include the use and/or display of its Product in
the Television program (or "product placement").
[0457] While FIG. 7 depicts a Display Interface 0784 for viewing an
Advertisement, any person with ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate other means of displaying an Advertisement, including,
but not limited to: transmission of the Advertisement for
processing to a CPU 0004, a graphics processor, a DSP, or an
application processor before transmission to Display Interface
0784.
[0458] While the present application may refer to an Advertisement
transmitted to a Wireless Device 0120 or Non-Wireless Device 0122,
the present application intends the reference to apply to an
Advertisement transmitted to the Wireless Device 0120 or
Non-Wireless Device 0122, either directly through a wireless
network or indirectly through any other Media Device 0110.
[0459] In step 1808, the present invention measures details related
to user viewing of an Advertisement. When a data receiving Module
such as Infrared Module 0702, RFID Module 0704, Synchronization
Module 0706, Barcode Module 0708, and Antenna Module 0710 receives
an Advertisement, the data receiving Module transmits the
Advertisement to a presentation Module such as Display Interface
0784 or speaker (not pictured).
[0460] In step 1810, data related to the Advertisement viewed by
the user is received by the device. If the data receiving Module
receives Ad Data Code 0200 associated with the Advertisement viewed
in step 1806, the data receiving Module transmits the Ad Data Code
0200 to MMCMS Module 0400 for conversion into an Ad File.
[0461] The present invention can enable an Advertiser System 0100
to transmit directly to a Wireless Device 0120 an Advertisement
and/or its associated Ad Data Code 0200. For example, the
Advertiser System 0100 can transmit an Advertisement and its
associated Ad Data Code 0200 directly and/or indirectly through an
Internet Operator (e.g., a search engine), a Wireless Operator,
and/or a Third Party Server 0150 enabling the transmission of data
to a Wireless Device 0120. The Wireless Device 0120 can receive the
Advertisement and its associated Ad Data Code 0200 in a variety of
means, including, but not limited to: calling a Web Browser 0776 to
display the Advertisement and to write and/or store its associated
Ad Data Code 0200 if the code is in the form of a cookie in Memory
0012; calling a media player to display the Advertisement outside
of Web Browser 0776 and to write and/or store its associated Ad
Data Code 0200 in Memory 0012; calling a text messaging application
to display the Advertisement and to write and/or store its
associated Ad Data Code 0200 in Memory 0012; and/or calling a
multimedia messaging application to display the Advertisement and
to write and/or store its associated Ad Data Code 0200 in Memory
0012.
[0462] An Advertiser System 0100 can transmit an Ad Data Code 0200
to a Wireless Device 0120 at any time, including, but not limited
to, before transmission of the Advertisement which information in
Ad Data Code 0200 describes, during transmission of the
Advertisement which information in Ad Data Code 0200 describes,
and/or after transmission of the Advertisement which information in
Ad Data Code 0200 describes. For product placement Advertisements,
an Advertiser can transmit an Ad Data Code 0200 at the same time
when the Product is being used in the Television program. The
objective of transmitting an Ad Data Code 0200 at the time is to
enable the URMS to measure if, when, how, and/or to what degree an
user responds to the product placement.
[0463] An Advertiser System 0100 can transmit an Ad Data Code 0200
to a Wireless Device 0120 over the same or different network than
it transmits the associated Advertisement to the Wireless Device
0120. An Advertiser can transmit an Ad Data Code 0200 to a Wireless
Device 0120 not only through a Wireless Base Station 0302, but
through any other Media Device 0110, including, but not limited to,
a Television 0304, a Radio 0306, a Personal Computer 0308, an
Outdoor Media Device 0310, a magazine or newspaper, a Product
Package, and/or another Wireless Device. An Advertiser can transmit
the information in an Ad Data Code 0200 in one or more files.
[0464] In an embodiment, the user of Wireless Device 0120 can
actively record an Ad Data Code 0200. In addition or alternatively,
a Media Device 0110 can transmit an Ad Data Code 0200 received from
Advertiser System 0100 to Wireless Device 0120. In one embodiment,
Wireless Device 0120 includes logic to prompt the user to determine
whether the user wants to store the Ad Data Code 0200 in Wireless
Device 0120. In addition or alternatively, Wireless Device 0120
receives the Ad Data Code 0200 and executes the appropriate
functions without prompting the user of the Wireless Device 0120.
If Wireless Device 0120 is turned on, is within transmission
distance of any I-O Device of a Media Device 0110, and receives Ad
Data Code 0200, an Advertiser can assume that the user of Wireless
Device 0120 at least had the opportunity to view an Advertisement
associated with the Ad Data Code 0200.
[0465] The user of Wireless Device 0120 can actively record the Ad
Data Code 0200 using a variety of methods, including but not
limited to the following. If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a
Camera 0332 and Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of a barcode, the
user can take a picture of the barcode with the Wireless Device
0120 camera. In another embodiment, if Ad Data Code 0200 is in the
form of a n-digit character string, the user can take a picture of
the string with the Wireless Device 0120 camera that has the
capability of converting the string into a barcode.
[0466] If the user has a camera that is not attached to a Wireless
Device 0120, the user can take a picture of the barcode or n-digit
number with the camera. Utilizing any method readily apparent to
any person with ordinary skill in the art, the user can transfer
the picture from the camera to the Wireless Device 0120.
[0467] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a Short-Range Antenna
0324 and Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be
received by the Antenna, the user can aim the Antenna at a Media
Device 0110 with a Short-Range Antenna to receive the data.
[0468] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a Wired Port 0326 and
Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be received by
the Port, the user can connect the Port to a Media Device 0110 with
a Wired Port to receive the data.
[0469] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a Microphone 0328 and
Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be received by
the Microphone, the user can aim the Microphone at a Media Device
0110 with a Speaker to receive the data.
[0470] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes an Infrared Transceiver
0330 and Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data readable by the
Transceiver, the user can aim the Transceiver at the data to record
the data.
[0471] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a RFID Device 0334 and
Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be received by
the Device, the user can aim the Device at a Media Device 0110 with
a RFID Tag to receive the data.
[0472] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a Barcode Reader 0336
and Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of a barcode, the user can aim
the Reader at the barcode to record the barcode.
[0473] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a NFC Antenna 0338 and
Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be received by
the Device, the user can aim the Device at a Media Device 0110 with
a NFC Antenna 0338 to receive the data.
[0474] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes any other type of I-O
Device 0339 and Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can
be received by the I-O Device, the user can aim the I-O Device at a
Media Device 0110 with a compatible I-O Device to receive the
data.
[0475] If such Media Device 0110 is capable of receiving, storing,
processing, and/or transmitting an Ad Data Code 0200, e.g., STB
0500 controlling a Television 0304, a Media Operator 0104 can
transmit such Advertisement and its associated Ad Data Code 0200
through methods comparable to the methods described herein for an
Internet Operator.
[0476] The Media Device 0110 can transmit to Wireless Device 0200
an Ad Data Code 0200 using a variety of methods, including but not
limited to the following. If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a
Short-Range Antenna 0324 and Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of
data that can be received by the Antenna, a Media Device 0110 can
transmit the Ad Data Code 0200 to Short-Range Antenna 0324.
[0477] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a Wired Port 0326 and
Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be received by
the Port, a Media Device 0110 can transmit the Ad Data Code 0200 to
Port 0326.
[0478] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a Microphone 0328 and
Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be received by
the Microphone, a Media Device 0110 can transmit the Ad Data Code
0200 to Microphone 0328.
[0479] If the Wireless Device includes an Infrared Transceiver 0330
and Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data readable by the
Transceiver, a Media Device 0110 can transmit the Ad Data Code 0200
to Infrared Transceiver 0330.
[0480] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a RFID Device 0334 and
Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be received by
the Device, a Media Device 0110 can transmit the Ad Data Code 0200
to RFID Device 0334.
[0481] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes a NFC Antenna 0338 and
Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can be received by
the Device, a Media Device 0110 can transmit the Ad Data Code 0200
to NFC Antenna 0338.
[0482] If the Wireless Device 0120 includes any other type of I-O
Device 0339 and Ad Data Code 0200 is in the form of data that can
be received by the I-O Device, a Media Device 0110 can transmit the
Ad Data Code 0200 to I-O Device 0339.
[0483] In step 1812, MMCMS Module 0400 and/or Ad Data Code Module
0728 can receive Ad Data Code 0200 and generate and/or update an Ad
File for the Advertisement viewed on either Media Device 0100
and/or Wireless Device 0120. MMCMS Module 0400 and/or Ad Data Code
Module 0728 can add the following data. For example, MMCMS Module
0400 and/or Ad Data Code Module 0728 may determine the time at
which the Advertisement was viewed using Timer Module 0712. The
time viewed (T.sub.v) can then be recorded in the Ad File. In
addition or alternatively, the MMCMS Module 0400 may increment by 1
the number of ads viewed by the user for the media channel category
(e.g., Television, Internet, etc). Details related to the number of
ads viewed by the user by media channel category are stored in Ad
Reception File 0736.
[0484] For example, assume an user views one Advertisement for
Product named XYZ with UPC Code 123456789012 through Television
0304. MMCMS Module 0400 records the type of Media Device 0110, in
this example, Television 0304, through which the user viewed the
Advertisement. In FIG. 10, an Ad File based on the sample Ad File
template 1000 records any Advertisement viewed through Television
0304 with a value equal to 1. In this example, MMCMS Module 0400
increments by one (1) the number of Advertisements viewed by the
user through Television 0304 in Ad Reception File 0736.
[0485] In step 1814, URMS 0350 Modules can measure details related
to an user's response(s) to one or more viewed Advertisement. Step
1812 includes the following steps.
[0486] Any URMS 0350 Module can generate a record in the Ad
Response File 0738 reflecting the response of an user to an
Advertisement. For example, a data receiving Module may receive
data signaling some action taken by an user (e.g., sampling or
buying a Product). After receiving such information, the data
receiving Module forwards or write the data to an Ad Response File
0738.
[0487] Payment Code Module 0730 can generate a Payment File
reflecting an user purchase of a Product promoted in an
Advertisement. Payment Code Module 0730 can write a Payment File to
Payment Data File 0740. For example, Wireless Device 0120 receives
or generates a Payment Receipt 1900 indicating purchase of a
Product. FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary Payment Receipt 1900 which a
Retailer and/or Wireless Device 0120 can produce, according to
embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, Payment
Receipt 1900 can be an electronic record of the purchase of one or
more Product(s) by an user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target
Customer, which can include the unique code, e.g., the
UPC/EAN/GTIN, utilized by Advertisers and/or Retailers to identify
each Product purchased by the user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or
Target Customer. In another embodiment, Payment Receipt 1900 can
include additional data, including, but not limited to: selling
price, number of units of Product, method of payment, customer
code, and/or transaction code.
[0488] The Customer Code is any data used by a Retailer to identify
uniquely a given customer, including, but not limited to: any code
assigned by a Retailer to a customer to encourage frequent
purchases or shopper loyalty, whose data the present invention
defines as "Shopper Loyalty ID Code"; a phone number, a name,
and/or any other data a Retailer uses to identify uniquely a given
customer.
[0489] The Transaction Code is any data used by a Retailer to
identify uniquely a given transaction, which data can be any
format, including, but not limited to: a barcode; any string of
characters which can be converted into a barcode by software in a
Wireless Device 0120 and/or a Retailer Server 0140; and/or data
which can be transmitted in a radio signal. The present invention
can include methods utilizing the Transaction Code to identify one
or more Products purchased by an user of Wireless Device 0120, an
user of any Media Device 0120, and/or Target Customer. In the case
of an user of Wireless Device 0120 making a purchase at a Retailer,
Wireless Device 0120 can transmit one or more Ad Data Codes 0200
and/or Ad Data Files 0734 to a POS System 0130, which can write
and/or store in Transaction Database 1452 and/or Customer Database
1454 the Ad Data Codes 0200 and/or Ad Data Files 0734 in one or
more records and/or associate the Ad Data Codes 0200 and/or Ad Data
Files 0734 with the data in the Transaction Code identifying one or
more Products purchased in such transaction, including, but not
limited to: the UPC/EAN/GTIN; or any other data identifying such
Product. If a Retailer stores Ad Data Codes 0200 and/or Ad Data
Files 0734 in Transaction Database 1452, the Retailer Server 0140
can transmit the associated Ad Data Codes 0200 and/or Ad Data Files
0734 and Product data from Transaction Code to a variety of devices
that can utilize such data to identify one or more Products
purchased by such user. In the case of an user making a purchase at
a Retailer without Wireless Device 0120, the Retailer Server 0140
can transmit the Product data from Transaction Code to a variety of
devices that can utilize such data to identify one or more Products
purchased by a given user. In such case, the present invention
would require that the Transaction Code be associated with an
Existing Unique ID Code (defined in Section 3.0) to enable a
receiving device to associate the Products purchased with an user
of a Wireless Device 0120, an user of any Media Device 0110, and/or
a Target Customer. For example, an user can purchase one or more
Products in a given Transaction without using his/her Wireless
Device 0120, e.g., with cash or a credit/debit card. In the case
such user pays with cash, he/she can use some other type of data
identifying him/her, e.g., a Shopper Loyalty ID Code. In the case
such user pays with a credit/debit card, such transaction can
identify an unique customer through the credit/debit card. In the
above cases, Retailer Server 0140 can transmit the data from a
Transaction Code to any device through any of the methods described
in the present invention, in particular, as described in Section
2.2.1.6.1.
[0490] The benefit of utilizing data on the Products purchased in a
given transaction identified by the Transaction Code is because
some Retailers do not include in a Payment Receipt 1900 some unique
code utilized by Advertisers and/or Retailers to identify the
Product as described in the definition of Ad Data Code 0200 in
Section 2.1.1, e.g., an UPC/EAN/GTIN. In the case of a Payment
Receipt 1900 including only a Product name or abbreviation of such
Product, URMS 0350 can generate errors in matching a Product
purchased with a Product promoted in a given Advertisement unless
the Advertiser utilizes the same abbreviation as the Retailer
(which can be the case where an Advertiser is the Retailer).
[0491] A Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device 0110, an Advertiser
System 0100, and/or a Third Party Server 0150 can receive Payment
Receipt 1900 through a variety of means, including, but not limited
to: a Retailer can generate Payment Receipt 1900 and transmit it to
Wireless Device 0120 through Payment Device 0134, NFC Device 1400,
and NFC Antenna 0338; a Retailer can generate Payment Receipt 1900
and transmit it to Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device 0110, an
Advertiser System 0100, and/or a Third Party Server 0140 through
Network 1470, e.g., a POS System 0130 and/or a Retailer Server 0140
can generate a Payment Receipt 1900 in electronic form and transmit
Payment Receipt 1900 to any of the above devices through a network,
e.g., the Internet; a Retailer can generate Payment Receipt 1900
and transmit it to Wireless Device 0120 through any I-O Device of
Wireless Device 0120 other than NFC Antenna 0338, e.g., a Wireless
Device 0120 can purchase a Product directly from an online
Retailer, which can transmit a Payment Receipt 1900 to Wireless
Device 0120.
[0492] A Retailer can generate Payment Receipt 1900 in any format
for transmission to Wireless Device 0120 through Payment Device
0134. The format can include, but is not limited to: rich text
format (RTF), text ANSI (TXT ANSI), text Unicode (TXT Unicode),
HTML, eXtensible Markup Language (XML), portable document format
(PDF), Microsoft Word (DOC), Microsoft Excel (XLS), and/or Word for
Macintosh Document (MCW). Payment Receipt 1900 can include any
receipt typically produced and/or transmitted by existing versions
of Payment Device 0134 to Receipt Printer 1430 or any other type of
receipt produced and/or transmitted by Payment Device 0134.
[0493] For example, Event Handler Module 0716 can measure whether
the user opens a text message from Advertiser System 0100. The user
response, i.e., opening the text message, is directly related to
the Advertisement.
[0494] In step 1816, URMA Module 0744 compares data stored in Ad
Response File 0738 and Payment Data File 0740 and data stored in Ad
Data File 0734. If a match exists, operation proceeds to step 1816.
If no match exists, operation proceeds to step 1818.
[0495] Step 1816 can use any method to match data not only by
searching for an exact match of data in any file describing an
Advertisement viewed with data in any file describing a Product
purchased that was promoted in such Advertisement, but also for an
inexact match of such data. The present invention can support tools
like predictive models and training models well known to any person
with ordinary skill in the art to correct data and/or impute
missing data. For example, a Payment Receipt 1900 can spell the
name of a Product or Retailer incorrectly. Step 1814 can support
tools to enable the matching of a closely spelled Product or
Retailer in a Payment Receipt 1900 with a correctly spelled Product
or Retailer in an Ad Data Code 0200.
[0496] In step 1818, URMA Module 0744 writes and/or stores in
Matching Event File 0742 data showing a match of a Product
described in any Ad Data Code 0200, Ad File, and/or Ad Data File
0734 with a Product described in any Payment Receipt 1900, Payment
File, Payment Data File 0740, and/or Ad Response File 0738.
[0497] In step 1820, URMA Module 0744 terminates search for
match.
[0498] FIG. 20 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for
comparing data describing an Advertisement and data describing the
purchase of a Product, according to embodiments of the present
invention. Flowchart 2000 is described with continued reference to
the Ad Data Code 0200 and Payment Receipt 1900 depicted in FIG. 21.
The present invention can implement flowchart 2000 by executing a
subset of the steps, executing the steps in different order, and/or
executing other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0499] In step 2002, URMA Module 0744 in Wireless Device 0120 can
read the Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, and/or Payment
Data File 0740 from Memory 0012 in Wireless Device 0120.
[0500] In step 2004, URMA Module 0744 can search through Ad Data
File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, and/or Payment Data File 0740 for
any match of a Product purchased with a Product promoted in an
Advertisement viewed. In the preferred embodiment, URMA Module 0744
can search through just the fields in each file containing a unique
code utilized by Advertisers and/or Retailers to identify a
Product, e.g., the UPC/EAN/GTIN of the Product, for any matching
string of, for example, UPC/EAN/GTINs. In another embodiment, URMA
Module 0744 can search through the complete files for any matching
string of numbers with the same number of digits as a unique code
utilized by Advertiser and/or Retailers to identify a Product,
e.g., the UPC/EAN/GTIN of the Product. In another embodiment, URMA
Module 0744 can search through the complete files for any matching
string of alphanumeric characters. While the last embodiment can
yield a match of the name of the Product, the potential for error
is greater than the first two embodiments because some Retailers
may abbreviate the name of any given Product and there could be a
match of names in Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, and/or
Payment Data File 0740 which does not necessarily apply to
Products.
[0501] In step 2006, URMA Module 0744 can filter the set of
matching strings of UPC/EAN/GTINs where an Ad Data Code 0200 has a
date/time stamp that precedes the date/time stamp of a Payment
Receipt 1900. The present method can enable an Advertiser to
withdraw from any ROI calculation any matching strings of
UPC/EAN/GTINs where an Ad Data Code 0200 has a date/time stamp that
succeeds the date/time stamp of a Payment Receipt 1900. In another
embodiment, the present method can enable an Advertiser to withdraw
from any ROI calculation any matching strings of UPC/EAN/GTINs
where an Ad Data Code 0200 has a date/time stamp that precedes the
date/time stamp of a Payment Receipt 1900 outside a certain time
period.
[0502] Any Module that collects data about an user response to an
Advertisement can compare the values it collects against the values
in Ad Files in Ad Data File 0734 to determine whether there is a
match. A match indicates that the user performed some action
regarding a Product after the user viewed an Advertisement related
to the Product.
[0503] For example, MMCMS Module 0400 receives an Ad Data Code 0200
which includes data showing that the user viewed through Television
0304 an Advertisement for a Product named XYZ with UPC Code
123456789012, Ad Data Code Module 0728 processes Ad Data Code 0200
(e.g., by adding data about the time and location during and at
which Wireless Device 0120 receives Ad Data Code 0200) and stores
the values in Ad File ABC, and Ad Data Code Module 0728 transmits
the Ad File to Ad Data File 0734. One week later, Wireless Device
0120 receives a Payment Receipt 1900 which includes data showing
that the user bought at retailer DEF the Product XYZ with UPC Code
123456789012, Payment Code Module 0730 processes Payment Receipt
1900 (e.g., by adding data about the location at which Wireless
Device 0120 receives Payment Receipt 1900) and stores the values in
Payment File GHI, and Payment Code Module 0730 transmits the
Payment File to Payment Data File 0740. URMA Module 0744 compares
the Product name and/or UPC code with all values in Ad Data File
0734. URMA Module 0744 finds the Product name and/or UPC Code in Ad
File ABC.
[0504] URMA Module 0744 can measure whether the user buys a Product
with the same Product name and/or UPC Code as a Product name and/or
UPC Code included in an Advertisement viewed by the user earlier.
In some cases, Advertiser System 0100 can attribute the user
response directly to the Advertisement. For example, if the
Advertisement included an electronic coupon that is coded to
associate directly with the Advertisement and user of Wireless
Device 0120 uses the coupon when paying for the Product advertised,
Advertiser System 0100 can attribute the user response directly to
the Advertisement even if the user buys the Product in a physical
retailer. In another example, if the Advertisement included a link
to an online vendor or online retailer and the user clicks the link
to buy the Product advertised, Advertiser System 0100 can attribute
the user response directly to the Advertisement.
[0505] A match in step 2004 can enable an Advertiser to infer one
of two possibilities: (a) the user viewed an Advertisement for
Product XYZ and bought the Product one week later in response to
the Advertisement; or (b) the user viewed an Advertisement for
Product XYZ and would have bought the Product one week later even
if the user did not view the Advertisement. However, a match per se
cannot enable an Advertiser to conclude that the Advertisement
caused the user to buy the Product advertised. However, the
application of certain statistical analytical techniques in URMA
Module 0744 well known to anyone with ordinary skill in the art can
enable the Advertiser to determine whether the probability that the
user bought the Product in response to the Advertisement is
statistically significant. Moreover, a match can provide an
Advertiser more information regarding the response of the user to
the Advertisement than the Advertiser has with current
technology.
[0506] In step 2008, URMA Module 0744 can write to Matching Event
File 0742 the records of any Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts
1900, Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, and/or Payment Data
File 0740 with matching strings of UPC/EAN/GTINs.
[0507] In step 2010, the present invention can perform a
statistical analysis of any data stored in Ad Data File 0734, Ad
Response File 0738, Payment Data File 0740, and/or Matching Event
File 0742. As described above, URMA Module 0744 can perform such
statistical analysis. In another embodiment, a Module external to
URMA Module 0744 can perform such statistical analysis. For
example, a computer program product located at Advertiser System
0100 and/or Third Party Server 0150 can perform such statistical
analysis on data stored in Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File
0738, Payment Data File 0740, and/or Matching Event File 0742 from
one or more users of Wireless Device 0120. An example of step 2008
for Television Advertisements is described in further detail in
Section 2.2.1.1 below.
[0508] For example, URMS 0350 can call URMA Module 0744, which can:
(1) search through any file containing data on the Advertisements
viewed by the user, including, but not limited to, Ad Data Code
0200 and/or Ad Data File 0734; (2) search through any file
containing data on the Products purchased by the user, including,
but not limited to, Payment Receipt 1900 and/or Payment Data File
0740; (3) any file containing data on the responses by the user to
an Advertisement, including, but not limited to, Ad Response File
0738; and/or (4) match any data uniquely identifying the Product
promoted in the Advertisement with the Product promoted in any
Advertisements viewed by the user, e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN or name of
Product, among Ad Data Code 0200, Payment Receipt 1900, Ad Data
File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, and/or Payment Data File 0740;
and/or (4) write any matching data to Matching Event File 0742. A
match between an Advertisement viewed by the user as identified by
the Ad Data Code 0200 and the purchase of a Product promoted in the
Advertisement as identified by Payment Receipt 1900 can indicate to
Advertiser that the Advertisement could have influenced the user to
purchase the Product. While the user could have purchased the
Product in any event, the availability of data generated by the
present method can provide an Advertiser more data about the
relationship between an Advertisement and subsequent user
purchasing behavior than an Advertiser has available today. In
addition, if user of Wireless Device 0120 explicitly uploaded Ad
Data Code 0200 into the Device, e.g., by using Camera 0332 to
record an image of a barcode as part of an Advertisement or
click-through an Advertisement when visiting a web page, an
Advertiser can reasonably conclude that the Advertisement more
directly influenced subsequent user purchasing behavior.
[0509] In another embodiment, any Media Device 0110, POS System
0130, or Retailer Server 0140 can call a Module the equivalent
functionality of URMA Module 0744 to: (1) search through Ad Data
Code 0200 and Payment Receipt 1900; (2) match any data uniquely
identifying the Product promoted in the Advertisement, e.g., UPC or
name of Product, in both Ad Data Code 0200 and Payment Receipt 1900
or Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, and Payment Data File
0740; and/or (3) write any matching data to Matching Event File
0742.
[0510] In step 2012, Wireless Device 0120 can transmit data,
including, but not limited to, Ad Data Code 0200, Payment Receipt
1900, Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, Payment Data File
0740, and/or Matching Event File 0742, to Advertiser System 0100
either directly or indirectly through Third Party Server 0150. In
another embodiment, the present invention can transmit data to
Advertiser System 0100 or Third Party Server 0150 in a variety of
means, including, but not limited to: from any Media Device 0110 to
Third Party Server 0150 or Advertiser System 0100; from any Web
Server to Third Party Server 0150 or Advertiser System 0100 where
the Web Server transmitted to any Media Device 0110 any type of
file, e.g., a cookie, indicating the downloading of an
Advertisement to the Media Device 0110, e.g., a Personal Computer
0308; from POS System 0130 to Third Party Server 0150 or Advertiser
System 0100; and/or from Retailer Server 0140 to Third Party Server
0150 or Advertiser System 0100.
[0511] In step 2014, Third Party Server 0150 can aggregate matching
data from multiple Wireless Devices 0200.
[0512] In step 2016, Third Party Server 0150 can transmit the
aggregate matching data to Advertiser System 0100.
[0513] In step 2018, Advertiser System 0100 can utilize the
matching data to calculate the ROI of the Advertisement transmitted
to one or more users.
[0514] In step 2020, an Advertiser can pay a Media Operator 0104 a
fee based on the actual purchase of a Product promoted in the
Advertisement, instead of a click-through or an ad impression. By
generating an ROI of the Advertisement, the present method can
enable an Advertiser to attribute a value to an Advertisement and
determine the maximum it should pay for distribution of the
Advertisement.
[0515] In another embodiment, Wireless Device 0120 can transmit any
Ad Data Codes 0200 received and/or Ad Data File 0734 generated to
other devices for distributed calculation of ROI for the
Advertisement viewed. Such devices can include, but are not limited
to: the Media Device 0110 from which Wireless Device 0120 can
receive an Ad Data Code 0200, e.g., if user of Wireless Device 0120
views an Advertisement on Television 0304 and responds to such
Advertisement through any of the I-O Devices of such Television
0304 for transmission to Advertiser through Television Operator;
and/or the POS System 0130 to which Wireless Device 0120 can
transmit an Ad Data Code 0200 when purchasing a Product promoted in
such Advertisement.
[0516] In FIG. 21, Ad Data Code 0200 can include fields for the
date, time, and/or location during or at which Wireless Device 0120
displayed the Advertisement, which Ad Data Code Module 0728 can
insert into Ad Data Code 0200. In addition, Ad Data Code Module
0728 can insert into Ad Data Code 0200 an user ID. In another
embodiment, Ad Data Code Module 0728 converts Ad Data Code 0200
into an Ad File, which can have the same data as the Ad Data Code
0200 depicted in FIG. 21.
[0517] In addition, Ad Data Code 0200 can include a field for
Customer Code.
[0518] A Media Device 0110 can insert a value for the field,
"Customer Code," into Ad Data Code 0200. By including such a value,
the present invention can enable System 0090 to match the value in
Customer Code in Ad Data Code 0200 with the value in Customer Code
in Payment Receipt 1900 to ensure the accurate measurement of the
user viewing a given Advertisement and the same user purchasing the
Product promoted in such Advertisement.
2.2.1 EXAMPLES
2.2.1.1 Measurement of User Viewing Advertisement on Television
Media Device
[0519] FIG. 22 is a flowchart 2200 of an exemplary method for
enabling a Wireless Device 0120 to record its user viewing of an
Advertisement on a Television, according to embodiments of the
present invention. Flowchart 2200 is described with continued
reference to the systems depicted in FIGS. 23 and 24. However,
flowchart 2200 is not limited to that embodiment. The present
invention can implement flowchart 2200 by executing a subset of the
steps, executing the steps in different order, and/or executing
other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0520] In step 2202, an Advertiser produces an Advertisement
including an Ad Data Code 0200. The Advertiser System 0100 may
transmit to a Television operator an Advertisement which includes
an Ad Data Code 0200. In another embodiment, the Advertiser System
0100 can transmit Advertisement and Ad Data Code 0200 directly to
STB 0500.
[0521] A Television operator is any entity that operates,
distributes, and/or transmits a Television Program and/or sells or
leases a media location. A Television operator can include, but is
not limited to: a Television station; a Television network; and/or
a distributor of Television programs, including, but not limited
to, a cable system operator; a direct broadcast satellite operator;
and/or a telecommunications network operator, which can include an
operator of a wired network, wireless network, or combination of
wired and wireless networks.
[0522] Ad Data Code 0200 includes the specific data describing the
characteristics of a given Advertisement. In the example shown in
FIG. 10, the values for each field represent the specific values
describing the Advertisement. For example, this Advertisement
includes Elements 01, 02, 03, 04, 06, 08, and 10, which for
purposes of this example are the Ad Elements in Table 5800 in FIG.
58. For Element 08, which means the Advertisement includes a
celebrity endorser, Ad Data Code 0200 includes a value=03, which
means the Advertisement includes Celebrity Endorser C. Ad Data Code
0200 includes a value for MediaChannel=XXX, which means Advertiser
System 0100 is transmitting the Advertisement through, in this
example, a Television network named XXX.
[0523] At Step 2204, STB 0500 receives the Advertisement and/or Ad
Data Code 0200 from the Advertiser or Television operator. FIG. 24
depicts an exemplary Television Advertisement 2410. Advertisement
and/or Ad Data Code 0200 can be transmitted in a variety of ways.
For example, Ad Data Code 0200 can be embedded as part of the Video
Signal. A Television Operator can embed the Code as part of an
analog Video Signal and/or digital Video Signal. In an analog Video
Signal, a Television Operator can embed the Code in a variety of
means, including, but not limited to: imprinting the Code on an
audio subcarrier or producing and transmitting the Code as an
integral part of the Advertisement transmitted in the Video Signal.
In a digital Video Signal, a Television Operator can embed the Code
in a variety of means, including, but not limited to: slotting the
Code into the MPEG-2 transportation stream.
[0524] In addition or alternatively, the Ad Data Code 0200 may be
transmitted in a blanking interval ("Blanking Interval") of any
analog Television signal, which can include a vertical blanking
interval (VBI) or horizontal blanking interval (HBI). A Television
Operator can transmit the Code in the Blanking Interval utilizing
methodology well known to those with ordinary skill in the art. In
one embodiment of the present means, a Television Operator can
transmit the Code in eXtended Data Services (XDS), which enables
the transmission of any data transmitted with any analog Television
signal.
[0525] In addition or alternatively, the Ad Data Code 0200 may be
transmitted in any out-of-band (OOB) data channel, including, but
not limited to, any Forward Data Channel, which is a channel
carrying data utilizing any protocol from a source or
retransmission point, e.g., a headend in a cable television system,
to STB 0500. A Television Operator can transmit the Code in an OOB
data channel utilizing methodology well known to those with
ordinary skill in the art.
[0526] Advertiser System 0100 can transmit Ad Data Code 0200
utilizing IP packets. As would be appreciated by any person with
ordinary skill in the art, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit Ad
Data Code 0200 through other methods.
[0527] In step 2206, STB 0500 can transmit and/or display to an
user of Wireless Device 0120 an Ad Data Code 0200. The
transmission/display can occur in a variety of means. For example,
the Ad Data Code 0200 can be embedded as part of the Video Signal
on the screen of Television Set 0560, e.g., displaying a barcode or
any string of characters which can be converted into a barcode as
part of the Advertisement displayed at any location on the screen
of Television Set 0560. In addition or alternatively, the screen of
Television Set 0560 can display Ad Data Code 0200 carried in the
Blanking Interval.
[0528] In another example, Ad Data Code 0200 can transmit the Code
carried in any OOB data channel to any I-O Device of Wireless
Device 0120 in a variety of means, including, but not limited to:
transmitting the Code in the form of a sound wave from Audio
Interface 0530 through Speaker 0550 to Microphone 0328;
transmitting the Code in the form of a radio signal from Smart Card
Interface 0532 through Antenna 0552 to NFC Antenna 0338;
transmitting the Code in the form of a radio signal from Bluetooth
Interface 0534 through Antenna 0554 to Antenna 0324; transmitting
the Code in the form of a carrier signal from Wired Interface 0536
through Port 0556 to Port 0326; transmitting the Code in the form
of a radio signal operating in the infrared frequency spectrum from
IrDA Interface 0538 through IrDA Transceiver 0558 to IrDA
Transceiver 0330. In one embodiment, Port 0556 is a USB wireless
device.
[0529] While the above description applies to the transmission of
Ad Data Code 0200 to a STB 0500, which includes a Synchronization
Device 0556 that can retransmit Ad Data Code 0200 to Wireless
Device 0120, the present invention can enable the transmission of
Ad Data Code 0200 to a STB 0500, which can support a variety of
other means of retransmitting Ad Data Code 0200 to Wireless Device
0120, including, but not limited to: utilizing Bluetooth or any
other short-range wireless protocol; utilizing an Infrared Device;
utilizing a RFID Device; and/or utilizing a NFC Device. All of
these processes for exchanging data between two devices are well
known to those with ordinary skill in the art.
[0530] In step 2206, STB 0500 can transmit or display to an user of
Wireless Device 0120 an Ad Data Code 0200 through a variety of
means. An Advertiser would typically want Wireless Device 0120 to
receive Ad Data Code 0200, e.g., in the form of a radio signal,
and/or an user of Wireless Device 0120 to view Ad Data Code 0200,
e.g., in the form of a barcode, during the same time period when
the user is viewing an Advertisement. For any Media Device 0110
displaying an Advertisement statically, e.g., a Print publication
displaying Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of a barcode as part of or
near an Advertisement, there is no need to synchronize the
transmission of Ad Data Code 0200 with the transmission of an
Advertisement. However, for any Media Device 0110 displaying an
Advertisement dynamically, e.g., a Television 0304, a Radio 0306,
or a Personal Computer 0308 displaying an Advertisement in video
and/or audio format, an Advertiser would want to synchronize the
transmission of Ad Data Code 0200 with the transmission of the
Advertisement.
[0531] While the following discussion teaches a method for enabling
synchronization of Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement for a
Television Advertisement, the present invention can apply the
method to enable synchronization of Ad Data Code 0200 and
Advertisement for an Advertisement transmitted to and/or displayed
on any Media Device 0110.
[0532] There are at least three means by which a Television
Operator can transmit Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement to STB
0500 and transmit or display Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement to
an user of Wireless Device 0120: [0533] 1. Transmit to STB 0500 Ad
Data Code 0200 and Advertisement as part of the same Video Signal
and display both Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement on a TV
Display Device ("Synchronization Scenario 1"). [0534] 2. Transmit
to STB 0500 Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement as part of the same
Video Signal and display Advertisement on a TV Display Device and
transmit Ad Data Code 0200 to Wireless Device 0120
("Synchronization Scenario 2"). [0535] 3. Transmit to STB 0500 Ad
Data Code 0200 and Advertisement as separate signals and display
Advertisement on a TV Display Device and transmit Ad Data Code 0200
to Wireless Device 0120 ("Synchronization Scenario 3").
[0536] In Synchronization Scenario 1, an user of Wireless Device
0120 can view Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement simultaneously,
because Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement are part of the same
Video Signal displayed on a TV Display Device. For any Ad Data Code
0200 carried in the Blanking Interval, STB 0500 can utilize
methodology well known to those with ordinary skill in the art to
synchronize the transmission of Ad Data Code 0200 with
Advertisement, e.g., by using any timecode, e.g., the Vertical
Interval timecode (VITC), which is a type of the Society of Motion
Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) timecode.
[0537] In Synchronization Scenario 2, a Television Operator can
transmit a Video Signal that includes both Ad Data Code 0200 and
Advertisement in the form of video over IP. An Advertiser can
supply separately an Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement to a
Television Operator. An Advertiser may want to generate different
Ad Data Codes 0200 for any given Advertisement. For example, to
measure the difference in effectiveness, an Advertiser can generate
different Ad Data Codes 0200 for an Advertisement transmitted on
Television network A on Wednesday at 10:30 AM and the same
Advertisement transmitted on Television network B on Thursday at
3:30 PM. A Television Operator can convert the Ad Data Code 0200
and Advertisement received from the Advertiser from an analog or
digital signal to the format it utilizes, e.g., video over IP. A
Television Operator can utilize a variety of means of enabling STB
0500 to separate Ad Data Code 0200 and Advertisement and display
Advertisement on a TV Display Device and transmit Ad Data Code 0200
to Wireless Device 0120 through a variety of STB 0500 I-O Devices.
These means can include, but are not limited to: assigning in the
IP header of packets containing Ad Data Code 0200 certain data
enabling STB 0500 to identify Ad Data Code 0200 such that CPU 0510
can store the packet in Memory 0514 or transmit the packet to any
of STB 0500 I-O Devices; and/or assigning unique IP addresses to
each I-O Device within any given STB 0500 and transmitting Ad Data
Code 0200 to the IP address and Advertisement to Video Processor
0512 for transmission to TV Display Device.
[0538] In Synchronization Scenario 3, a Television Operator can
transmit an Advertisement in the form of a Video Signal and Ad Data
Code 0200 in any OOB data channel.
[0539] In Synchronization Scenarios 2 and 3, there is a risk that
STB 0500 will display Advertisement on TV Display Device at a
different time than it can transmit Ad Data Code 0200 through any
of its I-O Devices. While Television Operator can transmit both Ad
Data Code 0200 and Advertisement concurrently and expect that STB
0500 will display Advertisement on TV Display Device at
approximately the same time it transmits Ad Data Code 0200 through
any of its I-O Devices, the present invention can ensure
synchronization in a variety of means.
[0540] For example, Television operator can identify the first
frame of video for any given Advertisement ("Originating Ad Frame")
and last frame of video for any given Advertisement ("Terminating
Ad Frame"), utilize any timecode system to assign time data, e.g.,
in the form HOURS:MINUTES:SECONDS:FRAME, to Originating Ad Frame
and Terminating Ad Frame, and transmit data on timecodes for the
frames to STB 0500. Utilizing its clock, STB 0500 can limit the
transmission of the associated Ad Data Code 0200 through any of its
I-O Devices within the time specified for the frames.
[0541] In another example, a Television Operator can transmit Ad
Data Code 0200 either before or concurrently with the transmission
of the associated Advertisement. If Television Operator transmits
the Ad Data Code 0200 before the transmission of the associated
Advertisement, STB 0500 should store the Ad Data Code 0200 in
Memory 0514. When encoding the Advertisement at a central control
point, e.g., a headend, Television Operator can generate a
synchronization signal to insert in a Blanking Interval during the
transmission of the Advertisement some unique code indicating the
Originating Ad Frame and Terminating Ad Frame. When STB 0500
receives the Video Signal carrying the Advertisement, a Blanking
Interval detector can identify the unique code and enable STB 0500
to identify the time when it can read the associated Ad Data Code
0200 from Memory 0514 and transmit the Ad Data Code 0200 to one or
more of its I-O Devices.
[0542] In the preferred embodiment, a Television Operator (or any
Advertiser System 0100 or Media Operator 0104) can transmit to STB
0500 (or any Media Device 0110) Ad Data Code 0200 either before or
concurrently with the transmission of the associated Advertisement.
In another embodiment, a Television Operator (or any Advertiser
System 0100 or Media Operator 0104) can transmit to STB 0500 (or
any Media Device 0110) Ad Data Code 0200 after the transmission of
the associated Advertisement. The problem with transmitting Ad Data
Code 0200 after the transmission of the associated Advertisement is
that an user of the Media Device 0110 receiving the Advertisement
can view such Advertisement and respond to such Advertisement
before the reception of its associated Ad Data Code 0200. An
Advertiser wants to measure the viewing of any Advertisement for a
given Product before an user responds to such Advertisement, e.g.,
buying the Product promoted in such Advertisement.
[0543] Where STB 0500 or any Media Device 0110 can store the
associated Advertisement for future display, the later transmission
of Ad Data Code 0200 could avoid the risk of receiving an Ad Data
Code 0200 after an user views the associated Advertisement. In
addition, an Advertiser System 0100 or Media Operator 0104 can
transmit an Ad Data Code 0200 specifying the date and time of
transmission of the associated Advertisement. In this embodiment, a
Media Device 0110 can record the reception of the associated
Advertisement even if it receives Ad Data Code 0200 subsequently.
However, in this embodiment, an user of Media Device 0110 can view
an Advertisement at a later date and time than when Media Device
0110 receives the Advertisement.
[0544] In step 2208, an user with Wireless Device 0120 views the
Advertisement on Television Set 0560. Wireless Device 0120 can
record the viewing in a variety of ways. For example, an user can
utilize any I-O Device of Wireless Device 0120 to record an image
of Ad Data Code 0200 on the screen of Television Set 0560 in a
variety of means, including, but not limited to: utilizing Camera
0332 to record an image of Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of a
barcode and Ad Data Code Module 0728 to decode the barcode into
parameters for writing to Ad Data File 0734; utilizing Camera 0332
to record an image of Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of any string
of characters which can be converted into a barcode by Ad Data Code
Module 0728 and the Module to decode the barcode into parameters
for writing to Ad Data File 0734; and/or utilizing Barcode Reader
0336 to read an image of Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of a barcode
and Ad Data Code Module 0728 to decode the barcode into parameters
for writing to Ad Data File 0734.
[0545] In addition or alternatively, Wireless Device 0120 can
receive Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of a sound wave through
Microphone 0328, which can utilize Ad Data Code Module 0728 to
decode the wave into parameters for writing to Ad Data File 0734.
In another example, Wireless Device 0120 can receive Ad Data Code
0200 in the form of a radio signal through NFC Antenna 0338, which
can utilize Ad Data Code Module 0728 to decode the signal into
parameters for writing to Ad Data File 0734.
[0546] Wireless Device 0120 can also receive Ad Data Code 0200 in
the form of a radio signal through Antenna 0324, which can utilize
Ad Data Code Module 0728 to decode the signal into parameters for
writing to Ad Data File 0734. Wireless Device 0120 can also receive
Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of a carrier signal through Port
0326, which can utilize Ad Data Code Module 0728 to decode the
signal into parameters for writing to Ad Data File 0734. Wireless
Device 0120 can further receive Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of an
infrared signal through IrDA Transceiver 0330, which can utilize Ad
Data Code Module 0728 to decode the signal into parameters for
writing to Ad Data File 0734.
[0547] In step 2210, information related to the viewing of the
Advertisement is generated and stored in the Wireless Device. For
example, URMS 0350 applies a variety of Modules to assign data to
Ad Data Code 0200 for conversion into Ad File 2300, including, but
not limited to: Synchronization Module 0706, which identifies the
type of transmitting device from which Wireless Device 0120
receives Ad Data Code 0200 and its associated Advertisement, in
this example, Synchronization Module 0706 receives Ad Data Code
0200 and its associate Advertisement from a Television and assigns
a value=1 for the "Transmitting Device" field; Timer Module 0712
assigns a date/time stamp to determine the date and time Wireless
Device 0120 receives Ad Data Code 0200 and its associated
Advertisement; Mapping Module 0720 assigns the longitude, latitude,
and altitude at the time Wireless Device 0120 receives Ad Data Code
0200 and its associated Advertisement. The data in Ad Data Code
0200 and the additional data assigned by URMS 0350 constitute Ad
File 2300.
[0548] In step 2212, data related to the viewing of the
Advertisement is transmitted to Television Operator and/or
Advertiser. The data can be transmitted in a variety of ways. For
example, Wireless Device 0120 can transmit to any I-O Device of STB
0500 through any of its I-O Devices data indicating that user of
Wireless Device 0120 viewed the Advertisement. After receiving the
signal, any I-O Device of STB 0500 can transmit a signal through
its respective Interface to CPU 0510, which can retransmit the
signal to Television Operator in any OOB data channel, including,
but not limited to, any Reverse Data Channel, which is a channel
carrying data utilizing any protocol, e.g., IP, from STB 0500 to a
central control point of a Television system, e.g., a headend in a
cable television system. The present method can enable the
transmission of data from STB 0500 to a Television Operator
utilizing any standard, including, but not limited to, Digital
Video Broadcasting Return Channel for Cable (DVB-RCC); and/or
Digital Video Broadcasting Return Channel for Terrestrial
broadcasting (DVB-RCT).
[0549] STB 0500 can transmit data to Television Operator in any OOB
data channel on any schedule. Some existing Television systems do
not enable real-time upstream transmission in the OOB data channel.
Other existing and future Television systems enable real-time
upstream transmission in the OOB data channel. Because calculation
of the ROI of any given Advertisement is not time-sensitive, it is
not necessary to transmit in real-time data recording if an user of
Wireless Device 0120 viewed an Advertisement. The present method
can enable STB 0500 to transmit data recording if an user of
Wireless Device 0120 viewed an Advertisement in real-time or
delayed, e.g., by storing the data in Memory 0514 and transmitting
at a later time either an individual data or batches of data.
[0550] Wireless Device 0120 can also transmit to Advertiser System
0100 and/or Third Party Server 0150 through Antenna 0322 data
indicating that user of Wireless Device 0120 viewed the
Advertisement.
[0551] The data Wireless Device 0120 user can transmit to
Television Operator can be any data indicating he/she viewed an
Advertisement, including, but not limited to, a IP packet, e.g.,
ACK, acknowledging receipt of packets constituting an Advertisement
and/or Ad Data Code 0200; and/or a file generated by Ad Data Code
Module 0728 acknowledging receipt of an Advertisement and/or Ad
Data Code 0200.
[0552] While the above description applies to the construction of
an Ad File 2300 in the case of a Television Advertisement, the
present invention can enable the construction of an Ad File for an
Ad Data Code 0200 and its associated Advertisement transmitted to
any Media Device 0110, including, but not limited to: Wireless Base
Station 0302, Television 0304, Radio 0306, Personal Computer 0308,
Outdoor Media Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product
Package 0314, or Other Wireless Device 0316. The present invention
can apply the same method described above for converting an Ad Data
Code 0200 into an Ad File 2300, except that the URMS 0350 would
assign whichever Module received the Ad Data Code 0200 to identify
variables including, but not limited to: whichever type of
transmitting device from which Wireless Device 0120 receives the Ad
Data Code 0200 and its associated Advertisement and assign its
corresponding value for the "Transmitting Device" field. When the
present invention uses the term, Ad File 2300, it applies such term
to an Ad File generated from an Ad Data Code 0200 transmitted to
any Media Device 0110.
2.2.1.2 Measurement of User Viewing Advertisement on Personal
Computer Media Device
[0553] FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary flowchart 2500 of measurement
of the ROI for an Advertisement to a Personal Computer 0308,
according to embodiments of the present invention. Method 2500 is
described with reference to the system depicted in FIG. 26A, FIG.
26B, and FIG. 27. However, Method 2500 is not limited to those
embodiments.
[0554] In step 2510, an Advertisement, which may include an Ad Data
Code 0200, is transmitted to Personal Computer 0308. For example,
an Internet Operator may transmit the Advertisement to the Personal
Computer 0308. For example, an Internet Operator typically
transmits to Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 a cookie
utilizing any method readily apparent to any person with ordinary
skill in the art. Any entity can transmit to a Personal Computer
0308 an Ad Data Code 0200 in a variety of means, including, but not
limited to: adding and/or appending the data in an Ad Data Code
0200 to the cookie an Internet Operator would typically transmit to
a Personal Computer 0308; generating an Ad Data Code 0200 in the
form of a cookie it would typically transmit to a Personal Computer
0308; generating an Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of one or more
cookies and transmitting both the additional cookies and the cookie
it would typically transmit to a Personal Computer 0308; generating
an Ad Data Code 0200 in the form of a Web page and transmitting the
Web page to a Personal Computer 0308, whose Web Browser can parse
the Web page for the data in the Ad Data Code 0200 (e.g., by
extracting the data associated with certain HTML tags) for
processing by Personal Computer 0308 and/or Wireless Device 0120;
and/or embedding an Ad Data Code 0200 in a Web page including the
Advertisement and transmitting the Web page to a Personal Computer
0308, whose Web Browser can parse the Web page for the data in the
Ad Data Code 0200 for processing by Personal Computer 0308 and/or
Wireless Device 0120. The present invention can support the
inclusion of data in an Ad Data Code 0200 in one or more cookies
through a variety of means, including, but not limited to:
including the data in Ad Data Code 0200 in one cookie; including
the data in Ad Data Code 0200 in a plurality of cookies, e.g.,
having one cookie with one name-value pair for one variable or
field in Ad Data Code 0200 as depicted in FIG. 2 and a plurality of
cookies with other name-value pairs for other variables or fields
in Ad Data Code 0200; and/or assigning an unique code to the set of
all name-value pairs for a given Ad Data Code 0200 ("Omni ADC
Code"), assigning Omni ADC Code as a value in a name-value pair,
storing the Omni ADC Code in a Web Server, and transmitting to any
Media Device 0110 a cookie that includes the Omni ADC Code as a
value in a name-value pair.
[0555] In addition or alternatively, Advertisements can be
transmitted to Personal Computer 0308 through means other than a
Personal Computer 0308 user requesting a web page containing an
Advertisement, including, but not limited to: an Advertisement
transmitted through an email to Personal Computer 0308, an
Advertisement transmitted through an instant message to Personal
Computer 0308, an Advertisement transmitted as what is commonly
referred to as a "pop-up," or any other means of transmitting an
Advertisement to Personal Computer 0308.
[0556] In addition or alternatively, the Internet Advertisement
(e.g., Internet Advertisement 2710 of FIG. 27) can be in any form
that can be read by one or more I-O Devices of Wireless Device
0120, including, but not limited to: a barcode, any string of
characters which can be converted into a barcode by software in
Wireless Device 0120, or data which can be transmitted in a radio
signal and/or through a cable.
[0557] In step 2520, Web Server 0100 sets or stores in Memory 0012
of Personal Computer 0308 the Ad Data Cookie and/or an Ad Data Code
0200. The present invention defines an Ad Data Cookie as an Ad Data
Code 0200 in the form of a cookie describing the Advertisement
viewed by the user. In general, an Ad Data Cookie includes
NAME=VALUE pairs providing values for one or more variables listed
in exemplary Ad Data Code 0200 illustrated in FIG. 2. An example of
an Ad Data Cookie 0200 is illustrated in FIG. 26A.
[0558] The process of a Web Server writing, setting or storing,
reading, and retrieving a cookie to or from Memory 0012 of Personal
Computer 0308 is well known to any person with ordinary skill in
the art. Typically, a Web Browser allows a Web Server to view a
cookie created by another Web Server, but only in accordance with
rules set by the Web Browser. For example, a Web Browser can
generally allow a Web Server to view cookies created by Web Servers
from the same server domain. Moreover, Web Browser can generally
allow a Web Server to view cookies created by Web Servers from the
same or higher-level folders within the same server domain. A Web
Browser generally sets such rules to prevent a Web Server from
viewing cookies written by other Web Servers. One way a Web Browser
can limit which Web Servers can view a cookie is to have the Web
Server writing a cookie include a description of the range of URLs
for which the state information is valid. If Web Browser makes any
future requests of a web page which falls in a URL range, the Web
Browser can transmit to the Web Server all cookies stored by the
Web Browser.
[0559] Personal Computer 0308 may delete a cookie or not store a
cookie for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to: the
user rejecting the storing of a cookie in Memory 0012 of Personal
Computer 0308 by the Web Browser; the number of cookies stored by
each web domain in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 reaches
the maximum allowed; the total number of cookies stored in Memory
0012 of Personal Computer 0308 reaches the maximum allowed; or
Personal Computer 0308 may delete a cookie if the expiration date
of the cookie is reached. In this situation, the present invention
can record whether Personal Computer 0308 user views an
Advertisement by receiving a transmission from Advertiser System
0100 whose web site the user visited in a variety of ways,
including, but not limited to: if the Advertiser can associate the
static IP address with the user; or if the user provided
information about the user to the Web Server serving the
Advertisement.
[0560] In addition or alternatively, the user of the Wireless
Device 0120 can record an image of Ad Data Code 0200 (e.g., in the
form of a barcode as part of Internet Advertisement 2710 on display
of Personal Computer 0308).
[0561] In step 2530, MMCMS Module 0400 receives one or more Ad Data
Cookies and/or one or more Ad Data Codes 0200. MMCMS Module 0400
can receive one or more Ad Data Cookie(s) in a variety of ways.
Exemplary methods for receiving one or more Ad Data Cookies are
described in detail in Section 2.2.1.2.1 below.
[0562] In step 2540, MMCMS Module 0400 converts the received Ad
Data Cookie and/or Ad Data Code 0200 into an Ad File. The Ad File
can include information about each Advertisement viewed by one or
more users of Personal Computer 0308.
[0563] As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in
the art, Method 2500 can support cookie handling either on the
"client-side" and/or "server-side." Method 2500 can also support
Web Browser loading one or more cookies available on a web page,
assembling all the cookies available on the web page into a single
string or what is commonly referred to as a document cookie, and/or
processing cookies in an alternative means.
[0564] In addition to the steps described above, an user of
Wireless Device 0120 can purchase a Product promoted in such
Advertisement; a Retailer Payment Device 0134 can transmit to
Wireless Device 0120 and/or another device a Payment Receipt 1900;
URMS 0350 can call Payment Code Module 0730 to parse Payment
Receipt 1900 for data needed to calculate a ROI for the
Advertisement viewed, which such Module can write to Payment Data
File 0740; and/or URMA Module 0744 can search through any files
containing data on Advertisements viewed by user and search through
any files containing data on Products purchased by user, and match
data uniquely identifying a purchased Product, e.g., the
UPC/EAN/GTIN with data identifying a Product promoted in a viewed
Advertisement.
[0565] Note that although the above flowchart describes processes
for recording information about the Advertisements viewed by
Personal Computer 0308 user and enabling Wireless Device 0120 to
retrieve the information, the above methods can be utilized to
record information about the Advertisements viewed by Wireless
Device 0120 user on and retrieve the information from any device,
including Television 0304, Radio 0306, Wireless Base Station 0302,
Outdoor Media Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product
Package 0314, or Other Wireless Device 0316.
2.2.1.2.1 METHODS FOR RECEPTION OF AD DATA COOKIE
2.2.1.2.1.1 ADVERTISER TRANSMISSION
[0566] While the present invention describes methods for enabling
any Media Device 0110 to receive an Ad Data Cookie, the methods are
not limited to that embodiment. The present invention can support
the reception of any type of data that describes an Advertisement,
including, but not limited to: an Ad Data Cookie and/or an Ad Data
Code 0200.
[0567] FIG. 28 depicts a flowchart 2800 of Advertiser transmission
of Ad Data Cookie to a Wireless Device 0120, according to
embodiments of the present invention. Method 2800 is described with
reference to the exemplary system of FIG. 26A. However, Method 2800
is not limited to that embodiment. The present invention can
implement the Advertiser transmission of an Ad Data Cookie by
executing a subset of the steps in FIG. 28, executing the steps in
different order, and/or executing other or additional related or
equivalent steps.
[0568] In step 2810, the Advertiser or Advertising System 0100 can
ask an user to provide information enabling the Advertiser to
transmit data to his/her Wireless Device 0120. For example,
Advertiser can ask the user for the phone number or text messaging
address of the user's Wireless Device 0120. If the user provides
the information, then the Advertiser can write and store in a web
server associated with the Advertiser and/or Memory 0012 of
Personal Computer 0308 a cookie that includes one or more
NAME=VALUE pairs identifying the contact information ("Contact
Cookie").
[0569] In step 2820, upon a request for a web page that contains an
Advertisement by the Advertiser, Web Browser searches Memory 0012
of Personal Computer 0308 for any cookies, including Ad Data
Cookies, stored by Advertiser System 0100. If Web Browser finds any
the cookies, including Ad Data Cookies, the browser can transmit to
Advertiser System 0100 the cookies, including Ad Data Cookies,
and/or the NAME=VALUE pairs in the Ad Data Cookies in a separate
file.
[0570] In step 2830, during each session of the user with the web
page, at the end of each session, or some time after each session,
at a regular or other schedule, Advertiser System 0100 utilizes the
contact information in Contact Cookie to transmit to Wireless
Device 0120 each Ad Data Cookie, or extract the values in each Ad
Data Cookie and transmit the values in one or more separate files.
In another embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit Ad Data
Cookies received from Personal Computer 0308 user to a Third Party
Server 0150 that can collect Ad Data Cookies for transmission to
Wireless Device 0120 ("Third-Party"). The Third-Party can either:
(i) retransmit to Wireless Device 0120 the Ad Data Cookies received
by Advertiser System 0100 from Personal Computer 0308; or (ii)
aggregate Ad Data Cookies received by any and/or all Advertisers
0100 from Personal Computer 0308 and retransmit to Wireless Device
0120 the Ad Data Cookies in a number of files that is smaller than
the number of Advertisers 0100 receiving Ad Data Cookies from
Personal Computer 0308.
[0571] To address the case where the user requests a web page that
contains an Advertisement by an Advertiser and does not
subsequently request a web page with the domain name of the
Advertiser System 0100, the present method can record the user
initial viewing of an Advertisement by an Advertiser by generating
and storing at the Advertiser System 0100 Web Server an Ad Data
Cookie. During each session, at the end of each session, or some
time after each session, at a regular or other schedule, Advertiser
System 0100 can transmit to Wireless Device 0120 the Ad Data
Cookie(s).
2.2.1.2.1.2 THIRD PARTY URL TRANSMISSION
[0572] FIG. 29 depicts a flowchart 2900 of Third Party Server 0150
URL transmission of Ad Data Cookie to a Wireless Device 0120,
according to embodiments of the present invention. Method 2900 is
described with reference to the exemplary system of FIG. 26A.
However, Method 2900 is not limited to that embodiment. The present
invention can implement the Advertiser transmission of Ad Data
Cookie by executing a subset of the steps in FIG. 29, executing the
steps in different order, and/or executing other or additional
related or equivalent steps.
[0573] First, in the step 2920 (Ad Data Cookie writing step),
Advertiser System 0100 can write and store in Memory 0012 of
Personal Computer 0308 an Ad Data Cookie with the Internet domain
name of, not Advertiser System 0100, but a Third-Party. In
addition, Advertiser System 0100 can write and store in Memory 0012
of Personal Computer 0308 an Ad Data Cookie with a path attribute
matching the pathname component of the URL of the Third-Party. For
example, in most Web Browsers, the path "/" is the most general
path. In general, a web page writing a cookie sets the value in the
domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the domain name of the web site.
The purpose of the web page writing a cookie that sets the value in
the domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the Third-Party domain name is
to enable the Third-Party to retrieve any and all Ad Data Cookies.
Because a Personal Computer 0308 user would probably view
Advertisements from many different web sites, it is more efficient
for one Third-Party to retrieve any and all Ad Data Cookies from
each Personal Computer 0308 user than it is for each Advertiser
System 0100 to retrieve the Ad Data Cookies from each Personal
Computer 0308 user. Moreover, it is more efficient for one
Third-Party to aggregate all Ad Data Cookies from all Advertisers
0100 and transmit all the data in one file to Wireless Device 0120
than it is for each Advertiser System 0100 to transmit separately
its own respective Ad Data Cookies to Wireless Device 0120.
[0574] Current Web Browsers require that a web page writing a
cookie set the value in the domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the
domain name of the web site. The above Step 1 in the present
Third-Party URL Transmission Method would require the vendors of
Web Browser to enable a web page writing and storing a cookie in
Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 to set the value in the
domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the domain name of a
Third-Party.
[0575] In step 2930, Advertiser System 0100 asks the user to
provide information enabling the Advertiser to transmit data to
his/her Wireless Device 0120. For example, Advertiser System 0100
can ask the user for the phone number or text messaging address of
the user's Wireless Device 0120. If the user provides the
information, then Advertiser System 0100 can write and store in
Memory 0012 of Advertiser System 0100 web server and/or Personal
Computer 0308 a Contact Cookie with a value in the
domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the domain name of a Third-Party
and a path attribute matching the pathname component of the URL of
the Third-Party.
[0576] In step 2940, upon receipt of a request for a web page that
contains an Advertisement from Advertiser System 0100, Web Browser
searches Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 for any cookies
stored by Advertiser System 0100. If Advertiser System 0100 stored
cookies with a value in domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the
Advertiser System 0100 domain name, Web Browser will find the
cookies and transmit the cookies and/or the NAME=VALUE pairs in the
cookies separately to Advertiser System 0100. However, Web Browser
will not fetch any Ad Data Cookies generated by Advertiser System
0100 with a value in domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the
Third-Party domain name.
[0577] In step 2950, at the time the user requests any web page
that contains an Advertisement from Advertiser System 0100, the
Advertiser transmits to Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 an Ad
Data Cookie with a value in domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the
Third-Party domain name.
[0578] In step 2960, a program is installed in Memory 0012 of
Personal Computer 0308 used by Wireless Device 0120 user ("Local PC
Program"). Note that this step does not occur each time method 2800
is performed and would also likely be performed prior to or
concurrently with the above steps. The program can access the
Internet from Personal Computer 0308. The program (e.g., Local PC
Program) can perform several functions, including, but not limited
to: (a) interoperate with Synchronization Module 0706 to enable
Wireless Device 0120 to read and/or retrieve Ad Data Cookie from
Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308; or (b) initiate a request
from Personal Computer 0308 to retrieve a web page operated by
Third-Party. Thus, during each session with a given web page, at
the end of each session, or some time after each session, at a
regular or other schedule, the Local PC Program can initiate a
request to get a web page operated by Third-Party.
[0579] In step 2970, when Local PC Program requests a web page from
Third-Party, Web Browser searches the cookie list to compare the
domain attributes of all cookies with the Third-Party domain name.
If there is a match, Web Browser can review the path=PATH attribute
to determine if it should transmit the cookie. If Advertiser System
0100 wrote and stored in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 any
Ad Data Cookies with a value in domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to
the Third-Party domain name and a matching pathname, then Web
Browser can transmit to the Third-Party those Ad Data Cookies. By
retrieving any cookies with the Third-Party domain name, the
present step can enable Local PC Program to retrieve data on any
and/or all Advertisements viewed by Personal Computer 0308 user in
the case where Personal Computer 0308 Web Browser permits the
setting and storage of third-party cookies.
[0580] In step 2980, during each session, at the end of each
session, or some time after each session, at a regular or other
schedule, Third-Party can utilizing the contact information in
Contact Cookie transmit to Wireless Device 0120 each Ad Data
Cookie, or extract the values in each Ad Data Cookie and transmit
the values in one or more separate files.
2.2.1.2.1.3 THIRD PARTY COOKIE
[0581] FIG. 30 depicts a flowchart 3000 of third party cookie
method for transmission of Ad Data Cookie to a Wireless Device
0120, according to embodiments of the present invention. Method
3000 is described with reference to the exemplary system of FIG.
26A. However, Method 3000 is not limited to that embodiment. The
present invention can implement the Advertiser transmission of Ad
Data Cookie by executing a subset of the steps in FIG. 30,
executing the steps in different order, and/or executing other or
additional related or equivalent steps.
[0582] In step 3020, in lieu of step 2820 (the Ad Data Cookie
writing step), the Third-Party Cookie Method can include the
following step. If Personal Computer 0308 user requests a web page
that contains an Advertisement by Advertiser System 0100 and
Personal Computer 0308 Web Browser permits the setting or storage
of third-party cookies, a third-party can set and/or store an Ad
Data Cookie in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308. As described
above, an Ad Data Cookie is a cookie that includes NAME=VALUE pairs
providing values for one or more of the variables listed in Ad Data
Code 0200 that describe a given Advertisement. A Third-Party Ad
Data Cookie as an Ad Data Cookie set or stored by a web site with a
domain other than the one requested by Web Browser. A Third-Party
can set and/or store in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 a
Third-Party Ad Data Cookie by providing an element in the web page
requested by Web Browser. This element can include, but is not
limited to: an image or the contents of an IFRAME. The process of
enabling the storage of a third party cookie, of which a
Third-Party Ad Data Cookie is a subclass, is well known to those
with ordinary skill in the art.
[0583] In step 3030, Advertiser System 0100 or the Third-Party asks
the user to provide information enabling the Third-Party to
transmit data to his/her Wireless Device 0120. For example,
Advertiser System 0100 or the Third-Party can ask the user for the
phone number or text messaging address of the user's Wireless
Device 0120. If the user provides the information, then the
Third-Party can write and store in Memory 0012 of Third-Party web
server and/or Personal Computer 0308 a Contact Cookie with a value
in the domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the domain name of a
Third-Party and a path attribute matching the pathname component of
the URL of the Third-Party.
[0584] In step 3040, the present method installs a Local PC Program
in the Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 used by Wireless
Device 0120 user. Note that this step does not occur each time
Method 2900 is performed and would also likely be performed prior
to or concurrently with the above steps. The program can access the
Internet from Personal Computer 0308. The program (e.g., Local PC
Program) can perform several functions, including, but not limited
to: (a) interoperate with Synchronization Module 0706 to enable
Wireless Device 0120 to read and/or retrieve Ad Data Cookie from
Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308; or (b) initiate a request
from Personal Computer 0308 to retrieve a web page operated by
Third-Party. Thus, during each session with a given web page, at
the end of each session, or some time after each session, at a
regular or other schedule, the Local PC Program can initiate a
request to get a web page operated by Third-Party.
[0585] In step 3050, when Local PC Program requests a web page from
Third-Party, Web Browser can search the cookie list to compare the
domain attributes of all cookies with the Third-Party domain name.
If there is a match, Web Browser can review the path=PATH attribute
to determine if it should transmit the cookie. If the Third-Party
wrote and stored in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 any Ad
Data Cookies with a value in domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the
Third-Party domain name and a matching pathname, then Web Browser
can transmit to the Third-Party the Ad Data Cookies. By retrieving
any and/or cookies with the Third-Party domain name, the present
step can enable Local PC Program to retrieve data on any and/or all
Advertisements viewed by Personal Computer 0308 user in the case
where Personal Computer 0308 Web Browser permits the setting and
storage of third-party cookies.
[0586] In step 3060, during each session, at the end of each
session, or some time after each session, at a regular or other
schedule, Third-Party can utilizing the contact information in
Contact Cookie transmit to Wireless Device 0120 each Ad Data
Cookie, or extract the values in each Ad Data Cookie and transmit
the values in one or more separate files.
2.2.1.2.1.4 WIRELESS DEVICE SYNCHRONIZATION
[0587] FIG. 31 depicts a flowchart 3100 of a wireless device
synchronization method for transmission of Ad Data Cookie to a
Wireless Device 0120, according to embodiments of the present
invention. Method 3100 is described with reference to the exemplary
system of FIG. 26A. However, Method 3100 is not limited to that
embodiment. The present invention can implement the Advertiser
transmission of Ad Data Cookie by executing a subset of the steps
in FIG. 31, executing the steps in different order, and/or
executing other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0588] In one embodiment, a Personal Computer includes a program
Module or application enabling Wireless Device 0120 to retrieve the
Ad Data Code 0200 from Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308
through synchronization ("Synchronization Program") utilizing any
method readily apparent to any person with ordinary skill in the
art. The program Module or application may be provided by an
Advertiser or a Third Party Server 0150.
[0589] In step 3120, as described in step 2820, Personal Computer
0308 can receive an Ad Data Cookie in a variety of ways, including,
but not limited to: Advertiser System 0100 can set or store in
Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 an Ad Data Cookie with a
value in domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the Advertiser System
0100 domain name; Advertiser System 0100 can set or store in Memory
0012 of Personal Computer 0308 an Ad Data Cookie with a value in
domain=DOMAIN_NAME pair equal to the domain name of a Third-Party;
or a Third Party can set or store in Memory 0012 of Personal
Computer 0308 an Ad Data Cookie with a value in domain=DOMAIN_NAME
pair equal to the domain name of the Third-Party.
[0590] In step 3130, Wireless Device 0120 can establish a
connection with Personal Computer 0308 in a variety of ways,
including, but not limited to: through Antenna 1522 utilizing
Bluetooth or any other short-range wireless protocol; through
Synchronization Device 1524; through Infrared Device 1528; and/or
through a RFID Device, including any RFID Device or other device
that can support NFC or any comparable standard enabling
short-range communication. All of these processes and devices for
exchanging data between two devices are well known to those with
ordinary skill in the art.
[0591] In step 3140, Wireless Device 0120 can search and retrieve
any and/or all Ad Data Cookies stored in Memory 0012 of Personal
Computer 0308 by utilizing a variety of protocols, including, but
not limited to: SyncML Representation Protocol developed by the
Open Mobile Alliance; any successor protocols; any other kind of
protocol for specifying the exchange of data across different
devices; or any extension to the protocols enabling the search and
retrieval of specific types of files, including an Ad Data
Cookie.
[0592] While the rest of the specification describing the present
step applies to the SyncML Representation Protocol, the present
step can support search and retrieval of any and/or all Ad Data
Cookies stored in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 utilizing
alternative protocols in a similar or comparable manner.
[0593] Wireless Device 0120 can achieve capabilities exchange by
using the SyncML GET command to search and retrieve from Memory
0012 of Personal Computer 0308 any information documents, e.g., Ad
Data Cookies.
[0594] Wireless Device 0120 can search in Memory 0012 of Personal
Computer 0308 any information documents, e.g., Ad Data Cookies, by
using the SyncML SEARCH command. SyncML can restrict the search and
synchronization to a subset of information documents in Memory 0012
of Personal Computer 0308. For example, SyncML can limit the search
to those Ad Data Cookies set or stored in Memory 0012 of Personal
Computer 0308 since the last synchronization.
[0595] Wireless Device 0120 can retrieve from Memory 0012 of
Personal Computer 0308 any individual attributes or values from any
information documents, e.g., Ad Data Cookies, by utilizing a XML
Document Filter. The present step can access an individual
attribute or individual value from any name-value pair by utilizing
script tags as specified by SyncML. The objective of enabling the
retrieval of individual attributes or values is to enable the
present method to retrieve data that Advertiser System 0100 might
have set or stored in a cookie that did not follow the format of an
Ad Data Cookie, but still presented information relating to the
description of an Advertisement.
2.2.1.2.1.5 WIRELESS DEVICE SEARCH
[0596] FIG. 32 depicts a flowchart 3200 of a Wireless Device
synchronization method for transmission of Ad Data Cookie to a
Wireless Device 0120, according to embodiments of the present
invention. Method 3200 is described with reference to the exemplary
system of FIG. 26A. However, Method 3200 is not limited to that
embodiment. The present invention can implement the Advertiser
transmission of Ad Data Cookie by executing a subset of the steps
in FIG. 32, executing the steps in different order, and/or
executing other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0597] In step 3210, each time an user requests a web page that
contains an Advertisement from Advertiser System 0100, Web Browser
searches Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 for any cookies
stored by Advertiser System 0100. If Web Browser finds any the
cookies, the Web Browser can transmit the cookies and/or the
NAME=VALUE pairs in the cookies separately to Advertiser System
0100.
[0598] In step 3220, Wireless Device 0120 accesses Memory 0012 of
Personal Computer 0308 in a variety of ways, including, but not
limited to: Wireless Device 0120 user attaching Synchronization
Device 0326 to Synchronization Device 1524; Wireless Device 0120
user transmitting a request to access Memory 0012 of Personal
Computer 0308 through Antenna 1522 utilizing Bluetooth or another
wireless protocol; Wireless Device 0120 user transmitting a request
to access Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 through Infrared
Device 1528; or Wireless Device 0120 user transmitting a request to
access Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 through a RFID Device
(not pictured in FIG. 15), which can support NFC or any comparable
standard enabling short-range communication.
[0599] In step 3230, Personal Computer 0308 permits Wireless Device
0120 to call a function enabling it to search through Memory 0012
of Personal Computer 0308 utilizing a file manager type of program.
The search can be limited to a search of any cookie file. In the
preferred embodiment, most or all Advertisers, either individually,
through a formal group like an industry association, through an
informal group, or through advertising agencies, can agree upon a
standard NAME=VALUE pair that describes the cookie as a data file
containing information about an Advertisement viewed by Personal
Computer 0308 user ("Open Standard Ad Data Cookie"). In another
embodiment, a vendor providing a service to Advertisers of
measuring the ROI by utilizing the present inventions of the URMS
0350 and MMCMS can notify Advertisers that it can enable Wireless
Device 0120 to search through Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308
for only cookie files with a NAME=VALUE pair the vendor defines as
a data file containing information about an Advertisement viewed by
Personal Computer 0308 user ("Proprietary Standard Ad Data
Cookie"). In this case, any Advertiser System 0100 wanting Wireless
Device 0120 to find a cookie the Advertiser stored on Personal
Computer 0308 can store the cookie with the NAME=VALUE pair.
2.2.1.2.2 EXAMPLES
[0600] FIG. 26A depicts a specific embodiment of how the URMS 0350
and MMCMS can measure and calculate the ROI for a typical
Advertisement transmitted to a Personal Computer utilizing the
payment functionality of a Wireless Device, according to
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 26A shows how the URMS
0350 and MMCMS can execute steps in the following sequence. The
present invention can implement the present method by executing a
subset of the steps depicted in FIG. 26A, executing the steps in
different order, and/or executing other or additional related or
equivalent steps. While FIG. 26A depicts a specific embodiment of
how the present invention can measure and calculate the ROI in the
case of a Physical Retailer 2600, the present invention can measure
and calculate the ROI in the case of any Retailer, including, but
not limited to: a physical retailer; an online retailer, a retailer
from which a Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target Customer orders by
making a phone call, or a retailer from which a Wireless Device
0120 and/or Target Customer makes a purchase order through physical
delivery, i.e., through mail order.
[0601] First, when Wireless Device 0120 user synchronized his/her
Wireless Device 0120 with Personal Computer 0308, Local PC Program
can read and/or retrieve any Ad Data Cookies set or stored in
Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 for transmission to Wireless
Device 0120. MMCMS Module 0400 and/or Ad Data Code Module 0728 can
convert each Ad Data Cookie into an Ad File, which contains
information about each Advertisement viewed by Personal Computer
0308 user. Ad Data Code Module 0728 can write the Ad Data Cookie
and/or Ad File to Ad Data File 0734.
[0602] Another means for Wireless Device 0120 to retrieve any Ad
Data Cookies set or stored in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308
is for Local PC Program to initiate a request at a regular or
irregular schedule to retrieve from Third-Party Server 0150 a web
page operated by the Third-Party Server 0150 which set or stored
the Ad Data Cookies. The present method includes the step, because
most current Web Browsers permit a web site to retrieve only those
cookies set or stored by a web site with the same domain name.
After retrieving any Ad Data Cookies stored in Memory 0012 of
Personal Computer 0308, Third-Party Server 0150 can transmit the Ad
Data Cookies to Wireless Device 0120 for conversion into an Ad
File.
[0603] In another embodiment, if Web Server 0100 can retrieve any
Ad Data Cookies set or stored in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer
0308, Web Server 0100 can transmit the Cookies to Wireless Device
0120 either: (i) directly to Wireless Device 0120; or (ii)
indirectly to Wireless Device 0120 through Third-Party Server 0150.
In order for Web Server 0100 to identify how to transmit the
Cookies to Wireless Device 0120, Personal Computer 0308 can provide
such communications information to Web Server 0100.
[0604] At any time after the preceding steps, Wireless Device 0120
user can visit a Physical Retailer 2600.
[0605] Wireless Device 0120 user can purchase a given Product.
[0606] Wireless Device 0120 user can utilize any payment system
enabled by Wireless Device 0120. In the present embodiment,
Wireless Device 0120 has the functionality of enabling Wireless
Device 0120 user to pay for a purchase by utilizing a credit card
application embedded in Wireless Device 0120. In another
embodiment, Wireless Device 0120 has the functionality of enabling
Wireless Device 0120 user to pay for a purchase by utilizing a form
of electronic cash embedded in Wireless Device 0120. The credit
card application and electronic cash application are well known to
any person with ordinary skill in the art.
[0607] In the present embodiment, Payment Device (or Payment Card
Processor) 0134 can generate a Payment Receipt 1900 and transmit
the receipt to Wireless Device 0120 through any of the means
described in the present invention.
[0608] Payment Code Module 0730 can convert each Payment Receipt
1900 into a Payment File, which contains information about any
Product purchased by the user of Wireless Device 0120. Payment Code
Module 0730 can write the Payment Receipt 1900 and/or Payment File
to Payment Data File 0740.
[0609] URMA Module 0744 can compare the values in Payment Receipt
1900, Payment Data File 0740, and/or Ad Response File 0738 with the
values in Ad Data Cookie and/or Ad Data File 0734 to determine if
there is a match. If URMA Module 0744 finds a match between certain
variables, including, but not limited to: vendor, Product, brand,
and/or UPC/EAN/GTIN, URMA Module 0744 can conclude that there is an
association between an Advertisement promoting the vendor, Product,
or brand viewed by Personal Computer 0308 user and the purchase of
the Product or brand by Wireless Device 0120 user. In another
embodiment, Payment Code Module 0730 can store the values in
Payment Receipt 1900 in Ad Response File 0738 and subsequently
search all the values in Ad Response File 0738 for any match with
values in Ad Data Cookies and/or Ad Data File 0734.
[0610] While an Advertiser cannot necessarily conclude that the
viewing of an Advertisement promoting a given Product by Personal
Computer 0308 user as evidenced by Ad Data Cookie caused Wireless
Device 0120 user to purchase the Product, the data collected by the
present invention can provide an Advertiser more information than
available now about any potential relationship between viewing of
an Advertisement and any subsequent purchase a Product
advertised.
[0611] FIG. 26B depicts a functional block diagram of a specific
embodiment of an exemplary system for measuring the ROI for an
Advertisement transmitted to a Personal Computer 0308 utilizing the
payment functionality of a credit/debit card external to a Wireless
Device 0120, according to embodiments of the present invention. The
present invention can implement the present method by executing a
subset of the steps depicted in FIG. 26B, executing the steps in
different order, and/or executing other or additional related or
equivalent steps.
[0612] First, when Wireless Device 0120 user synchronized his/her
Wireless Device with Personal Computer 0308, Local PC Program can
read and/or retrieve any Ad Data Cookies 0200 set or stored in
Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308 for transmission to Wireless
Device 0120. MMCMS Module 0400 and/or Ad Data Code Module 0728 can
convert each Ad Data Cookie into an Ad File, which contains
information about each Advertisement viewed by Personal Computer
0308 user. Ad Data Code Module 0728 can write the Ad Data Cookie
and/or Ad File to Ad Data File 0734.
[0613] Another means for Wireless Device 0120 to retrieve any Ad
Data Cookies set or stored in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer 0308
is for Local PC Program to initiate a request at a regular or
irregular schedule to retrieve from Third-Party Server 0150 a web
page operated by the Third-Party Server 0150 which set or stored
the Ad Data Cookies. The present method includes the step, because
most current Web Browsers permit a web site to retrieve only those
cookies set or stored by a web site with the same domain name.
After retrieving any Ad Data Cookies stored in Memory 0012 of
Personal Computer 0308, Third-Party Server 0150 can transmit the Ad
Data Cookies to Wireless Device 0120 for conversion into an Ad
File.
[0614] In another embodiment, if Web Server 1900 can retrieve any
Ad Data Cookies set or stored in Memory 0012 of Personal Computer
0308, Web Server 0100 can transmit the Cookies to Wireless Device
0120 either: (i) directly to Wireless Device 0120; or (ii)
indirectly to Wireless Device 0120 through Third-Party Server 0150.
In order for Web Server 0100 to identify how to transmit the
Cookies to Wireless Device 0120, Personal Computer 0308 can provide
such communications information to Web Server 0100.
[0615] At any time after the preceding steps, Wireless Device 0120
user can visit a Physical Retailer 2600.
[0616] Wireless Device 0120 user can purchase a given Product.
[0617] Wireless Device 0120 user can utilize a credit/debit card
external to Wireless Device 0120 to purchase a given Product.
Retailer 2600 can utilize the process for clearing a credit/debit
card transaction that is well known to any person with ordinary
skill in the art.
[0618] If the issuer of the credit card utilized by Wireless Device
0120 user permits, Credit Card Database 2610 can transmit to
Wireless Device 0120 and/or any Media Device 0110 utilized by the
user of Wireless Device 0120 an electronic copy of the transactions
paid for by the credit card ("Credit Card Receipt"). Credit Card
Database 2610 can transmit the Credit Card Receipt either directly
to Wireless Device 0120, indirectly to Wireless Device 0120 through
a Third-Party Server 0150, and/or directly to a Media Device 0110
utilized by the user of Wireless Device 0120. Payment Code Module
0730 and URMA Module 0744 (not pictured) can the follow the same
process after receiving a Payment Receipt 1900 described in FIG.
26A. The Credit Card Receipt can include some, all, or more data
than a Payment Receipt 1900. If the Credit Card Receipt includes
data on one or more Products purchased by the user of Wireless
Device 0120 and/or the Retailer at which the user of Wireless
Device 0120 purchased one or more Products, Payment Code Module
0730 and URMA Module 0744 can apply the same methods described in
the present invention to process such data and find a match between
certain variables, including, but not limited to: vendor, Product,
brand, UPC/EAN/GTIN, and/or Retailer.
2.2.1.3 Measurement of User Viewing of and Response to
Advertisement by Search Module
[0619] FIG. 33 depicts a flowchart 3300 of a method for measuring
whether Wireless Device 0120 user views an Advertisement at a
search engine and determining if there is a match between an user
response and an Advertisement viewed by the user, according to
embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can
implement Search Module 0722 by executing a subset of the steps in
Method 3300, executing the steps in different order, and/or
executing other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0620] In step 3310 the user of Wireless Device 0120 accesses an
Advertisement placed in an interactive channel. The interactive
channel can be any type of content with which an user can interact,
including, but not limited to: a search engine web site, a web site
that includes banner Advertisements, contextual Advertisements, or
similar types of Advertisements, a "pop-up" Advertisement, an
Advertisement distributed through e-mail or text messaging, or an
Advertisement provided through a wireless operator. For example, if
the interactive channel is a web site, the user may activate a Web
Browser 0776 and type a URL for the desired web site or click a
bookmark for the desired web site.
[0621] In step 3320, the user of Wireless Device 0120 searches for
information on a Product, brand, vendor, and/or retailer. For
example, an user may input Product, brand, vendor, and/or retailer
information into a text box provided by the search engine.
[0622] In step 3330, Search Module 0722 reads the URL, which the
user of Wireless Device 0120 clicks. Search Module 0722 reads the
Advertiser name from the web site visited and stores the Advertiser
name.
[0623] In addition or alternatively, if a Wireless Device 0120 user
views an Advertisement at a search engine web site by using Keypad
0772, Keypad Module 0718 can record the activity as the user
viewing the Advertisement. If the Advertiser placing the
Advertisement at the search engine generates data accompanying the
Advertisement that include, but is not limited to, at least some of
the data in Ad Data Code 0200, Keypad Module 0718 records the
activity and communicates the data to Search Module 0722.
[0624] In addition or alternatively, if a Wireless Device 0120 user
views an Advertisement at a search engine web site by using any
kind of device that touches the screen of the Wireless Device 0120,
e.g., the finger of the user, a stylus, or some other kind of
pointing device, Screen Module 0724 can record the activity as the
user viewing the Advertisement. If the Advertiser placing the
Advertisement at the search engine generates data accompanying the
Advertisement that include, but is not limited to, at least some of
the data in Ad Data Code 0200, Screen Module 0724 records the
activity and communicates the data to Search Module 0722.
[0625] In addition or alternatively, if a Wireless Device 0120 user
views an Advertisement at a search engine web site by using any
kind of audio command through Microphone Interface 0760, Audio
Module 0726 can record the activity as the user viewing the
Advertisement. If the Advertiser placing the Advertisement at the
search engine generates data accompanying the Advertisement that
include, but is not limited to, at least some of the data in Ad
Data Code 0200, Audio Module 0726 records the activity and
communicates the data to Search Module 0722.
[0626] In addition or alternatively, if a Wireless Device 0120 user
views an Advertisement at a search engine web site by using any
other type of input device other than Keypad 0772, a device that
touches the screen of Wireless Device 0120, or any kind of audio
command, a Module associated with the input device or devices used
can record the activity as the user viewing the Advertisement. If
the Advertiser placing the Advertisement at the search engine
generates data accompanying the Advertisement that include, but is
not limited to, at least some of the data in Ad Data Code 0200, the
Module associated with the input device or devices records the
activity and communicates the data to Search Module 0722.
[0627] In step 3340, Search Module 0722 transfers data associated
with the Advertisement to the MMCMS or Ad Data Code Module 0728 for
creation of an Ad File. The parameters and values of an exemplary
Ad File are illustrated in Table 1000.
[0628] In step 3350, Search Module 0722 compares the values it
stored in Ad Data File 0734 measuring any Advertisement viewed with
the data in Ad Response File 0738 reflecting a response by an user
to an Advertisement. A Wireless Device 0120 user can engage in
activity that reflects his/her response to the online
Advertisement. These responses can include, but are not limited to,
the following. The user can request information about the Product
advertised, which could be measured by Keypad Module 0718, Search
Module 0722, or other Module. The user can input the phone number,
short code, or name of the Product, brand, vendor, or retailer
advertised, which could be measured by Keypad Module 0718. The user
can visit a physical retailer advertised, which could be measured
by Mapping Module 0720. The user can visit a department of a
physical retailer advertised, which could be measured by Mapping
Module 0720. The user can sample the Product advertised, which
could be measured by any method described at the earlier section
describing Infrared Device 0330. The user can buy the Product
advertised, which could be measured by Payment Code Module 0730.
Measuring the above activities can enable Advertiser System 0100 to
calculate the numerator of the ROI of an online Advertisement,
i.e., the degree of user response by online and offline to an
online Advertisement.
[0629] In addition, the response of an user viewing an online
Advertisement by engaging in activity at a physical retailer can be
measured through some kind of coupon downloaded by user into the
user's Wireless Device 0120. If Wireless Device 0120 user downloads
an electronic coupon into the device from a web site and redeems
the coupon at a physical retailer, a record the download can be
created as an event in which the user views an Advertisement and
the coupon redeeming as an event in which the user responds to the
Advertisement.
[0630] Search Module 0722 compares values in Ad Response File 0738
with values stored in Ad Data File 0734. If a match exists,
operation proceeds to step 3360. If no match exists, operation
proceeds to step 3370.
[0631] In step 3360, Search Module 0722 stores match details in Ad
Response File 0738.
[0632] In step 3370, information related to the user's payment is
determined and stored in Ad Response File 0738. For example, Search
Module 0722 may call timer Timer Module 312 to record the time of
purchase. Search Module 0722 may then calculate the difference
between the time purchased and the time the associated
Advertisement was viewed. One or more of these values may then be
stored in Ad Response File 0738.
[0633] In step 3380, operation ends.
[0634] An Advertiser can benefit from the recording of Wireless
Device 0120 user viewing an Advertisement at a search engine web
site as follows. In general, an Advertiser or a search engine web
site can measure the ROI of an online Advertisement leading to an
online sale because the Advertiser knows the denominator, i.e., the
cost of the Advertisements placed at the search engine web site,
and the numerator, i.e., the number of users viewing its
Advertisements placed at the search engine web site and their
purchase activity at the Advertiser web site. However, an
Advertiser can measure only the number of users and their purchase
activity at its web site. Current technology does not enable an
Advertiser to measure the number of users responding to its
Advertisement placed at the search engine by engaging in some kind
of activity, including purchasing, at its physical distribution
channels, e.g., a physical retailer selling the Product advertised.
The inability of an Advertiser or the search engine to measure if,
when, how, or to what degree an user responds to an online
Advertisement by engaging in some kind of activity, including
purchasing, at physical retailers means that an Advertiser or the
search engine is underestimating the total ROI of an online
Advertisement if any users respond to an online Advertisement by
engaging in some kind of activity at physical retailers.
[0635] One method enabling an Advertiser to measure the response of
an user viewing an online Advertisement by engaging in activity at
a physical retailer is by matching any response recorded by any
Module in Ad Response File 0738 with any data recorded by any
Module in Ad Data File 0734. For example, Wireless Device 0120 user
can view a web page of a search engine. At the web page, the user
can view an Advertisement. The user can "click-through" the
Advertisement by utilizing Keypad 0772, any kind of device that
touches the screen of the device, any kind of audio command, or any
other type of input device. Keypad 0772 can record the
click-through by recording the URL associated with the
click-through. Alternatively, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit
to Wireless Device 0120 an Ad Data Code 0200 associated with the
click-through when user selects the Advertisement with Keypad 0772.
Any kind of device that touches the screen of the device can record
the click-through by recording the URL associated with the
click-through. Alternatively, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit
to Wireless Device 0120 an Ad Data Code 0200 associated with the
click-through when user selects the Advertisement with the device.
Any kind of audio command can record the click-through by recording
the URL associated with the click-through. Alternatively,
Advertiser System 0100 can transmit to Wireless Device 0120 an Ad
Data Code 0200 associated with the click-through when user selects
the Advertisement with an audio command. Measuring the above
activities can enable Advertiser System 0100 to calculate the
denominator of the ROI of an online Advertisement, i.e., the number
of users viewing an online Advertisement.
[0636] The present methods can enable Advertiser System 0100 to
measure if the user searches for information about an online or
physical retailer that focuses on the category of a Product in an
Advertisement viewed by the user. The present invention can
generate a database that assigns retailers that focus on a Product
category into each Product category. If the user searches for
information about a retailer in a given Product category, Search
Module 0722 can determine if there is a match between the retailer
Product category searched and any vendor, Product, or brand value
in Ad Data File 0734. For example, if the user viewed an
Advertisement about a book and then subsequently searches for
online or physical retailers that focus on selling books, Search
Module 0722 can determine a match of any values in the Product
category, books, and store the response in Ad Response File 0738.
In another embodiment, Search Module 0722 can record an user search
for information about a Product at an online or physical retailer
that sells a wide range of Product categories. For example, the
user viewing an Advertisement about a book could subsequently
search for the book not at a book retailer, but at an online
auction web site or a physical retailer that sells a wide range of
Product categories. If the user visits the web page of the online
auction web site that focuses on books or searches for information
about the book department of a physical retailer that sells a wide
range of Product categories, Search Module 0722 can determine a
match of any values in the Product category, books, and store the
response in Ad Response File 0738.
2.2.1.4 Measurement of User Viewing Advertisement on Print Media
Device
[0637] FIG. 34 depicts an exemplary system 3400 enabling an user of
Wireless Device equipped with one or more I-O Devices capable of
recording an Ad Data Code 0200 to record the Code from an
Advertisement viewed in a Print publication, e.g., a newspaper or
magazine, according to embodiments of the present invention. System
3400 includes an Advertiser System 0100, a Print Advertisement
3410, a Newspaper or Magazine 0312, and a Wireless Device 0120.
[0638] Advertiser System 0100 is one or more servers that can
produce and/or transmit an Advertisement, Print Advertisement 3410
in the present embodiment, to any Media Device 0110, which in the
present embodiment is Newspaper/Magazine 0450.
[0639] Print Advertisement 3410 can be in any form that can be read
by one or more I-O Devices of Wireless Device 0120, including, but
not limited to: a barcode, any string of characters which can be
converted into a barcode by software in Wireless Device 0120, or
data which can be transmitted in a radio signal.
[0640] Wireless Device 0120 is described in detail in Section
2.1.2.2 above.
2.2.1.5 Response Measured by Payment Code Module
[0641] FIG. 35 depicts a flowchart 3500 of an exemplary method of
how Payment Code Module 0730 can measure and/or process data on any
Products purchased by Wireless Device 0120 user, according to
embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can
implement flowchart 3500 by executing a subset of the steps,
executing the steps in different order, and/or executing other or
additional related or equivalent steps.
[0642] In step 3510, Wireless Device 0120 can generate and/or
receive a payment record. Wireless Device 0120 can generate a
payment record in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to:
the user utilizing Wireless Device 0120 and its associated payment
functionality to purchase a Product, whose functionality can
include, but is not limited to: assessing a charge on the user's
phone bill, debiting funds from a prepaid account, or other means
of generating electronic forms of cash; the user utilizing Wireless
Device 0120, which can have the functionality of processing a
credit and/or debit card transaction; the user utilizing a
credit/debit card without utilizing Wireless Device 0120 to
purchase a Product; the user utilizing an online payment system to
purchase a Product; the user utilizing an electronic coupon
downloaded in Wireless Device 0120; or the user utilizing an
electronic ticket that has already been purchased or will be
purchased to enable Wireless Device 0120 user to exchange for a
Product. Step 905 is described in further detail in Section
2.2.1.6.2 below.
[0643] In one embodiment, the payment record has the format as
Payment Receipt 1900. As would be appreciated by any person with
ordinary skill in the art, a payment record can take any form, as
required by the system and/or application.
[0644] In step 3512, Payment Code Module 0730 can search through a
payment record to determine Product identification information.
Product identification may include the name of the Product and/or
vendor, its associated UPC/EAN/GTIN, or any other such data related
to the Product. URMA Module 0744 can search the payment record on
any schedule or upon the occurrence of any event, including, but
not limited to: periodically, the reception of a Payment Receipt
1900, and/or the occurrence of an user response to an
Advertisement.
[0645] In the case of the user utilizing Wireless Device 0120,
whether utilizing its associated payment functionality or the
functionality of processing a credit/debt card transaction, to
purchase a Product, Payment Code Module 0730 can call the
appropriate software in Wireless Device 0120 processing the
transaction. Payment Code Module 0730 can search through any
transaction for the name of the Product, vendor, or other
identifying data about the Product or transaction.
[0646] Payment Code Module 0730 can search through any or all of
the payment systems utilized by Wireless Device 0120; any kind of
electronic ticket received or stored by Wireless Device 0120;
and/or any kind of content or applications downloaded, viewed,
and/or accessed by user on Wireless Device 0120. Payment Code
Module 0730 can search through these payment systems, tickets, and
content/applications not only to write and/or store a record of any
Product purchased or consumed in Payment Data File 0740, but to
write and/or store data in a historical user product preference
(HUPP) Database. Payment Code Module 0730 can write and/or store to
HUPP Database data generated from the search that reflect the
Product preferences of Wireless Device 0120 user to enable an
Advertiser to determine how receptive the user would be to an
Advertisement for its Product.
[0647] In addition, Payment Code Module 0730 can search through any
kind of data identifying any content or applications downloaded,
viewed, and/or accessed by user on Wireless Device 0120. The data
can be generated by the vendor of the content or application or by
Wireless Device 0120.
[0648] For example, Wireless Device 0120 user can download a
ringtone featuring recording artist A. Wireless Device 0120 user
can pay for the ringtone utilizing any payment system utilized by
Wireless Device 0120, in which case Payment Code Module 0730 can
search through the payment system and write and/or store a record
of any Product purchased in Ad Response File 0738 and/or Payment
Data File 0740. Wireless Device 0120 user can download the ringtone
without paying for it, in which case Payment Code Module 0730 can
search through any data generated by the vendor of the ringtone and
write and/or store a record of any Product consumed in Ad Response
File 0738 and/or Payment Data File 0740. If Wireless Device 0120
user downloads or accesses frequently ringtones by recording artist
A, an Advertiser can assume that Wireless Device 0120 user may be
receptive to an Advertisement for any Product featuring or related
to recording artist A.
[0649] Other examples can include, but are not limited to: Wireless
Device 0120 user downloading or accessing frequently on Wireless
Device 0120 a wireless baseball game, which data a vendor of
baseball Products can analyze to determine if the user would be
receptive to an Advertisement for baseball fan Products or baseball
game tickets; Wireless Device 0120 user downloading or accessing
frequently on Wireless Device 0120 a screensaver or image of an
actor or actress, which data a vendor of a Television program or
film featuring the actor or actress can analyze to determine if the
user would be receptive to an Advertisement for its Television
program or film; or Wireless Device 0120 user downloading or
accessing frequently on Wireless Device 0120 a travel application
or restaurant search application, which data a vendor of travel
services or a restaurant, respectively, can analyze to determine if
the user would be receptive to an Advertisement for its travel
services or restaurant.
[0650] The vendor of any wireless content or application can
utilize XML to describe the attributes of the content or
application. In this case, Payment Code Module 0730 can search
through a XML document associated with, attached to, or integrated
in the wireless content or application to write and/or store a
record of any Product consumed in Ad Response File 0738 and/or
Payment Data File 0740.
[0651] In step 3514, Payment Code Module 0730 compares Product
information identified in step 3512 and compares the information
with values in Ad Data File 0734. For example, Payment Code Module
0730 may compare the variables NAMEPRODUCT, NAMEBRAND, NAMEVENDOR,
and/or the UPC/EAN/GTIN number. If a match exists, operation then
proceeds to step 3516. If no match exists, operation then proceeds
to step 3520.
[0652] In step 3516, Payment Code Module 0730 stores match
information in Ad Response File 0738.
[0653] In step 3518, information related to the user's payment is
determined and stored in Payment Data File 0740. For example,
Payment Code Module 0730 may call Timer Module 312 to record the
time of purchase. Payment Module 0730 may then calculate the
difference between the time purchased and the time the associated
Advertisement was viewed. One or more of these values may then be
stored in Payment Data File 0740. Operation then proceeds to step
3520.
[0654] In step 3520, Payment Code Module 0730 adds information
related to the payment to a historical database. This step is
optional. In one embodiment, the historical database (e.g., HUPP
Database) includes information related to one or more Products
purchased by an user. In one embodiment, Payment Code Module 0730
identifies one or more of the Products purchased and assigns each
Product to a Product category in the historical database. For
example, if an user purchased a cereal brand XXX, Payment Code
Module 0730 can assign the purchase to the cereal Product category
and/or increment the number of purchases in the cereal Product
category.
[0655] An Advertiser, URMS 0350, or a Third Party Server 0150 can
search through the database to determine what type of Products the
user likes and/or does not like. Advertisers, including, but not
limited to, vendors of Products and/or retailers of Products, would
value such data, because it could help determine whether they
transmit an Advertisement of the Products to the user. For example,
if an Advertiser knew that an user is a vegetarian, vendors of meat
Products, retailers that sell meat Products, and/or restaurants
that serve meat Products, can decide not to transmit an
Advertisement promoting their meat Products.
[0656] In step 3522, the historical database is analyzed. This step
is optional. Also, note that this step can be performed
independently of the other steps included in flowchart 3500. Step
3522 can be performed at any time and may be performed in parallel
with one or more other steps of flowchart 3500. Methods for
analyzing the historical database are described in further detail
in Section 2.2.3.
2.2.1.6 Method for Generation and/or Receipt of Payment
Information
2.2.1.6.1 GENERATION BY RETAILER
[0657] FIG. 36 depicts a flowchart 3600 of a method for the
generation and transmission of payment information by a retailer,
according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 36 is
described with continued reference to the systems depicted in FIGS.
1 and 14. However, flowchart 3600 is not limited to those
embodiments. The present invention can implement flowchart 3600 by
executing a subset of the steps, executing the steps in different
order, and/or executing other or additional related or equivalent
steps. Flowchart 3600 describes one embodiment in which the present
invention can enable an Advertiser to measure if an Advertisement
leads to a sale where an user of a Wireless Device 0120 can redeem
an Ad Data Code 0200 which includes an economic incentive.
[0658] In Step 3610, the user of Wireless Device 0120 can visit any
type of Retailer, including, but not limited to: a physical
retailer, an online retailer, a retailer through making a phone
call, or a retailer through physically delivering, i.e., through
mail order, a purchase order.
[0659] In step 3612, Wireless Device 0120 reads Ad Data Code 0200
from Ad Data File 0734 and transmits the Code to any I-O Device or
Display 0120. A Retailer can receive the Code through one or more
means. Exemplary methods for receiving Ad Data Code 0200 are
described below. As would be appreciated by any person with
ordinary skill in the art, the present invention can use other
methods.
[0660] For example, at a physical retailer, the user of Wireless
Device 0120 can display the Code in the form of a barcode on
Display 0120 and hold Wireless Device 0120 at a distance and angle
to enable Code Reader 0132 at the Retailer to record the Code.
[0661] In another example, at a physical retailer, the user of
Wireless Device 0120 can transmit the Code wirelessly from any its
I-O Devices, including, but not limited to, Short-Range Antenna
0324, Infrared Transceiver 0330, RFID Device 0334, NFC Antenna
0338, or I-O Antenna 0339, to any Code Reader 0132 at the Retailer
POS which includes I-O Devices capable of receiving the Code
wirelessly.
[0662] In another example, at an online retailer with which the
user of Wireless Device 0120 communicates through a wireless
Internet connection originated by the Device, the user can transmit
the Code wirelessly to the retailer.
[0663] In another example, at a retailer with which the user of
Wireless Device 0120 communicates through making a wireless phone
call originated by the Device, the user can transmit the Code
wirelessly to the retailer.
[0664] In a another example, a retailer to which the user of
Wireless Device 0120 physically delivers a purchase order through
the mail, the user can transmit the Code wirelessly to the retailer
through the retailer's Web site.
[0665] In step 3614, Wireless Device 0120 purchases a Product. A
Product can be purchased using a variety of methods. Exemplary
methods are described below. As would be appreciated by any person
with ordinary skill in the art, the present invention can use other
methods for purchasing a Product.
[0666] For example, at a physical retailer, the user can purchase a
Product at the Retailer POS System 0130 by utilizing a payment
program in the Wireless Device 0120. The payment program can enable
Wireless Device 0120 to pay for the Product by transmitting to a
Payment Device 0134 at the Retailer POS System 0130 any data
("Payment Data"), including, but not limited to: transmitting the
credit card data of the user; transmitting the debit card data of
the user; deducting from a cash balance stored in the Wireless
Device; or adding a charge to the bill of the subscriber of the
Wireless Device. The payment program can transmit the data
wirelessly from any of its I-O Devices, including, but not limited
to, Short-Range Antenna 0324, Infrared Transceiver 0330, RFID
Antenna 0334, NFC Antenna 0338, or I-O Device 0339, to any Payment
Device 0134 at the Retailer POS System 0130 which includes I-O
Devices capable of receiving the data wirelessly.
[0667] In another example, at an online retailer with which the
user of Wireless Device 0120 communicates through a wireless
Internet connection originated by the Device, the user can purchase
an electronic Product, e.g., an electronic ticket, by executing any
steps specified by the online retailer.
[0668] In another example, an online retailer with which the user
of Wireless Device 0120 communicates through a wireless Internet
connection originated by the Device, the user can purchase a
physical Product, e.g., a shirt, by executing any steps specified
by the online retailer.
[0669] In step 3616, after Wireless Device 0120 transmits to
Payment Device 0134 Payment Data to Retailer, the present invention
can verify user purchase of the Product promoted in an
Advertisement. Verification can occur using one or more methods.
Exemplary methods are described below. As would be appreciated by
any person with ordinary skill in the art, the present invention
can use additional or alternative methods.
[0670] For example, at a physical retailer, Payment Device 0134 can
transmit to Wireless Device 0120 in electronic form a Payment
Receipt 1900. Payment Receipt 1900 can include unique code, e.g.,
UPC/EAN/GTIN, utilized by Advertisers and/or Retailers to identify
the Product. In another embodiment, Payment Device 0134, any other
device in POS System 0130, Retailer Server 0140, and/or any other
device processing data which includes any unique code, e.g.,
UPC/EAN/GTIN, utilized by Advertisers and/or Retailers to identify
the Product can transmit to Advertiser directly or indirectly
through Third Party Server 0150 in electronic form a Payment
Receipt 1900. While the present method enables the transmission of
Payment Receipt 1900 from Payment Device 0134 to Wireless Device
0120 as part of an electronic transaction, another embodiment can
enable the transmission of Payment Receipt 1900 from Payment Device
0134 to Wireless Device 0120 if the user of Wireless Device 0120
pays for the transaction with cash.
[0671] In another embodiment, at an online retailer with which the
user of Wireless Device 0120 communicates through a wireless
Internet connection originated by the Device, the Retailer can
transmit a file including one or more the data in Payment Receipt
1900.
[0672] In another embodiment, the present method can measure
without executing Step 3612 if an user of the Wireless Device 0120
purchases the Product promoted in the Advertisement, i.e., without
the Wireless Device 0120 transferring Ad Data Code 0200 to Code
Reader 0132. In this embodiment, after Payment Device 0134
transmits to Wireless Device 0120 a Payment Receipt 1900, the
Wireless Device 0120 can call a computer program product capable of
verifying user purchase of the Product promoted in the
Advertisement by: (1) searching through Payment Receipt 1900 all
data uniquely identifying some or all the Products purchased, e.g.,
the UPC/EAN/GTIN of each Product purchased; (2) searching through
all Ad Data Code 0200 stored in Memory 0012 of Wireless Device 0120
for any UPC matching any UPC in Payment Receipt 1900; (3) selecting
any Ad Data Code 0200 with a UPC match; (4) creating a record which
contains data indicating the UPC match, which confirms the user
purchase of the Product promoted in the Advertisement; and (5) if
the Code includes an economic incentive, e.g., a coupon,
transmitting the specific Ad Data Code 0200 associated with the UPC
wirelessly from any of its I-O Devices, including, but not limited
to, Short-Range Antenna 0324, Infrared Transceiver 0330, RFID
Device 0334, NFC Antenna 0338, or I-O Device 0339, to Payment
Device 0134 which includes I-O Devices capable of receiving the
data wirelessly. The Retailer can redeem the coupon included in the
Ad Data Code 0200 in the same manner as in Step 3612.
[0673] FIG. 37 is a flowchart 3700 depicting an exemplary method of
enabling a Retailer to transmit data measuring if the user of
Wireless Device purchased a Product, e.g., Payment Receipt 1900,
according to embodiments of the present invention. Flowchart 3700
is described with reference to exemplary systems depicted in FIGS.
1 and 14. However, flowchart 3700 is not limited to those
embodiments. The present invention can implement flowchart 3700 by
executing a subset of the steps, executing the steps in different
order, and/or executing other or additional related or equivalent
steps.
[0674] In Step 3710, Control Unit 1442 or any other device in
Retailer Server 0140 generates a Payment Receipt 1900 from data in
one or more databases, including, but not limited to, PLU Database
1450, Transaction Database 1452, and/or Customer Database 1454.
[0675] In step 3712, Control Unit 1442 transmits Payment Receipt
1900 to Control Unit 1410 through Communication Device 1440 and
Communication Device 1420.
[0676] In step 3714, Control Unit 1410 transmits Payment Receipt
1900 to Payment Device 0134 in addition to or in lieu of
transmitting the Receipt to Receipt Printer 1430.
[0677] In step 3716, Payment Device 0134 can transmit Payment
Receipt 1900 to Wireless Device 0120 through Antenna 1400 and NFC
Antenna 0338 and/or Network 1470.
[0678] FIG. 38 depicts a flowchart 3800 of an exemplary method for
transmitting a Payment Receipt 1900 to Wireless Device 0120 in a
HTML format for viewing by the Web Browser 0766 of Wireless Device
0120, according to embodiments of the present invention. Flowchart
3800 is described with reference to exemplary systems depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 14. However, flowchart 3800 is not limited to those
embodiments. The present invention can implement flowchart 3800 by
executing a subset of the steps, executing the steps in different
order, and/or executing other or additional related or equivalent
steps.
[0679] In step 3810, Control Unit 1442 or any other device in
Retailer Server 0140 can generate Payment Receipt 1900 in the form
of a HTML file from data in one or more databases, including, but
not limited to, PLU Database 1450, Transaction Database 1452,
and/or Customer Database 1454.
[0680] In step 3812, Control Unit 1442 can transmit Payment Receipt
1900 to Control Unit 1410 through Communication Device 1440 and
Communication Device 1420.
[0681] In step 3814, Control Unit 1410 can transmit Payment Receipt
1900 to Payment Device 0134 in addition to or in lieu of
transmitting the Receipt to Receipt Printer 1430.
[0682] In step 3816, Payment Device 0134 can transmit Payment
Receipt 1900 to Wireless Device 0120 through one or more I-O
Devices, including, but not limited to, Bluetooth Antenna 0324,
Infrared Transceiver 0330, RFID Device 0334, and/or I-O Device
0339, utilizing any short-range wireless standard, which can
include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth, HomeRF, IEEE 802.11,
IEEE 802.15.3a or UWB, infrared, wireless IEEE 1394, or Wireless
USB. In another embodiment, Retailer Server 0140 and/or POS System
0130 can transmit Payment Receipt 1900 to Wireless Device 0120
through Network 1470, which can include a wired and/or wireless
connection to the Internet.
[0683] At Step 3818, Wireless Device 0120, in general, and/or
Operating System 0346, in particular, can call Web Browser 0776 of
Wireless Device 0120 to render Payment Receipt 1900 as a HTML file
in Display 0120 for viewing by user of Wireless Device 0120.
[0684] In step 3820, URMS 0350 can call Payment Code Module 0730
to: (1) parse directly the parameters of Payment Receipt 1900 in a
HTML format and/or write to Payment Data File 0740 those parameters
needed to calculate a ROI for the Advertisement viewed; and/or (2)
convert Payment Receipt 1900 from HTML format to any other format
which URMS 0350 and/or any of its Modules can parse for parameters
needed to calculate a ROI for the Advertisement viewed and/or write
to Payment Data File 0740 the parameters.
[0685] In another embodiment, a Retailer can transmit a Specific
Transaction Record, in general, and/or Payment Receipt 1900, in
particular, to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly
through a Third Party Server 0150. The present embodiment can
provide several benefits. First, a Retailer can transmit Specific
Transaction Record to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or
indirectly through a Third Party Server 0150 through a wired or
wireless connection to the Internet, e.g., through Network 1470.
Because transmitting data through a wired connection to the
Internet is typically less expensive than transmitting data through
a licensed wireless network, the present alternative embodiment can
cost less than a Retailer transmitting Payment Receipt 1900 to
Wireless Device 0120, which then transmits the Receipt to
Advertiser System 0100 through a licensed wireless network. Second,
a Retailer can bundle multiple Specific Transaction Records for
different users of Wireless Devices 0120 and transmit them to
Advertiser System 0100 at lower unit cost than the individual
Wireless Devices 0120. The total bandwidth required to transmit two
Specific Transaction Records together should be less than the total
bandwidth required to transmit each of the two Specific Transaction
Records separately because of lower costs in data overhead.
2.2.1.6.2 GENERATION BY THE WIRELESS DEVICE
[0686] A Wireless Device 0120 can generate payment information
(e.g., a payment record) when an user utilizes the payment
functionality of the Wireless Device 0120 to purchase a Product.
For example, the Wireless Device 0120 user can buy a Product (e.g.,
a music CD of "Singer's Greatest Hits") at a physical retailer
using the Wireless Device 0120. In this example, the Wireless
Device 0120 includes a software application (e.g., wireless payment
application) enabling the device to process payment in a variety of
ways, including, but not limited to: withdrawing funds from the
user's bank account, assessing a charge on the user's credit card
account, or assessing a charge on the user's Wireless Device
bill.
[0687] The software application (e.g., wireless payment
application) can generate a record listing the name of the Product
purchased, its associated UPC/EAN/GTIN, or any other data
identifying the Product or transaction. Payment Code Module 0730
can include a function that can call the wireless payment
application and search through the payment application's
records.
[0688] In the example of the CD purchase, Payment Code Module 0730
finds the name of the Product, "Singer's Greatest Hits," sold by
vendor, "Generic Music Label." Payment Code Module 0730 can search
through Ad Data File 0734 to determine if the user viewed any
Advertisement with the same Product name and/or vendor. For
example, in Ad Data Code 0200, there are fields for NAMEPRODUCT and
NAMEVENDOR. If any Ad Data Code 0200 in Ad Data File 0734 includes
the Product name "Singer's Greatest Hits" and/or "Generic Music
Label," Payment Code Module 0730 declares a match and stores the
record of the payment transaction and the Advertisement in Ad
Response File 0738.
2.2.1.6.3 GENERATION BY THIRD PARTY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD VENDOR
[0689] As described above, an user can purchase a Product with a
credit/debit card without utilizing Wireless Device 0120. In this
case, either when an user makes a payment using his/her
credit/debit card or at some regular or other interval, the
credit/debit card vendor operating 3.sup.rd Party Payment Database
0166 in FIG. 1 can transmit a record of the transaction to Wireless
Device 0120. The record can include data listing the name of the
Product purchased, its associated UPC/EAN/GTIN, or any other data
identifying the Product or transaction. Payment Code Module 0730
can then generate a Payment File and write and/or store the Payment
File in Payment Data File 0740.
2.2.1.6.4 ELECTRONIC TICKET
[0690] As described above, Payment Code Module 0730 can search
through the data contained in any kind of electronic ticket.
Wireless Device 0120 user can download an electronic ticket into
Wireless Device 0120 either by paying for the ticket utilizing any
payment system in Wireless Device 0120 or by downloading the ticket
after paying for the ticket utilizing another device, e.g.,
Personal Computer 0308. For example, Wireless Device 0120 user can
use his/her Personal Computer 0308 to purchase an electronic
ticket, which he/she can download into Personal Computer 0308. The
vendor of the electronic ticket can enable an user to transfer the
ticket from Personal Computer 0308 to Wireless Device 0120. In this
case, Wireless Device 0120 would not have a record of the payment
for the ticket. Payment Code Module 0730 can search through any
kind of electronic data to find the same kind of information
contained in Ad Data Code 0200.
[0691] In one embodiment, most or all Advertisers, either
individually, through a formal group like an industry association,
through an informal group, or through advertising agencies, can
agree upon a standard format for including the data in an
electronic ticket the Payment Code Module 0730 would need to
associate an user downloading of the ticket with an Advertisement
viewed by the user. For example, an electronic ticket can include
one or more of the variables included in Ad Data Code 0200 and
assigned values to each variable. In this case, Payment Code Module
0730 can search through the electronic ticket for values associated
with a variable to determine if there is a match with any values in
Ad Data File 0734. For example, an electronic ticket can include
values for the following variables in Ad Data Code 0200:
NAMEVENDOR, NAMEPRODUCT, and NAMEBRAND. Payment Code Module 0730
can compare the values for the variables to determine if they match
any values for the same variables in Ad Data File 0734. If there is
a match, Payment Code Module 0730 can store the match in Ad
Response File 0738.
[0692] In another embodiment, the vendor of an electronic ticket
can include the values for one or more variables listed in Ad Data
Code 0200 without associating the value with a variable. In this
case, Payment Code Module 0730 can search through the electronic
ticket for values that match any values in Ad Data File 0734. In
another embodiment, the vendor of an electronic ticket can utilize
XML to describe the attributes of the ticket. In this case, Payment
Code Module 0730 can search through the an XML document associated
with, attached to, or integrated in the electronic ticket for
values in the name-value pairs that match any values in Ad Data
File 0734.
[0693] Electronic tickets downloaded to Wireless Device 0120 that
Payment Code Module 0730 can search can include, but are not
limited to: tickets for travel, including, but not limited to:
airline, train, bus, taxi, or boat; tickets for performances,
including, but not limited to: movies, concerts, or sporting
events; or any other kind of ticket.
2.2.1.7 Response Measured by Event Handler Module
[0694] FIG. 39 depicts a flowchart 3900 measuring the reception of
a text message by Event Handler Module 0716 from a given Media
Device 0110, according to embodiments of the present invention. The
present invention can implement Event Handler Module 0716 by
executing a subset of the steps in flowchart 3900, executing the
steps in different order, and/or executing other or additional
related or equivalent steps.
2.2.1.8 Response Measured by Keyboard Module
[0695] FIG. 40 depicts a flowchart 4000 measuring the user input
data by Keypad Module 0718, according to embodiments of the present
invention. The present invention can implement Keypad Module 0718
by executing a subset of the steps in flowchart 4000, executing the
steps in different order, and/or executing other or additional
related or equivalent steps.
2.2.1.9 Response Information Measured by Mapping Module
[0696] FIG. 41 shows a specific embodiment of how Mapping Module
0720 can measure if Wireless Device 0120 visits a physical retailer
advertised, according to embodiments of the present invention. The
present invention can implement Mapping Module 0720 by executing a
subset of the steps in FIG. 41, executing the steps in different
order, and/or executing other or additional related or equivalent
steps.
2.2.1.10 General Measurement of Viewing
[0697] FIG. 42 depicts an exemplary system enabling an user of
Wireless Device 0120 equipped with one or more I-O Devices capable
of recording an Ad Data Code 0200 to record the Code from an
Advertisement viewed on the Device display, according to
embodiments of present invention. System 4200 may include an
Advertiser System 0100, a Wireless Advertisement 4210, and/or
Wireless Device 0120.
[0698] Advertiser System 0100 is a server that can produce and/or
transmit an Advertisement, which is Wireless Advertisement 4210 in
the present embodiment, to any Media Device 0110, which in the
present embodiment is Wireless Device 0120.
[0699] Wireless Advertisement 4210 can be in any form that can be
read by one or more I-O Devices of Wireless Device 0120, including,
but not limited to: a barcode, any string of characters which can
be converted into a barcode by software in Wireless Device 0120, or
data which can be transmitted in a radio signal.
2.2.2 EXEMPLARY URMA PROCESSING
[0700] FIG. 43 depicts a flowchart 4300 of an exemplary method for
processing the calculation of ROI for a Television Advertisement
within URMA Module 0744, according to embodiments of the present
invention. The present invention can implement flowchart 4300 by
executing a subset of the steps, executing the steps in different
order, and/or executing other or additional related or equivalent
steps. While flowchart 4300 describes how URMA Module 0744 can
calculate the ROI for a Television Advertisement, the present
invention can apply URMA Module 0744 to calculate the ROI for an
Advertisement transmitted to any Media Device 0110 and/or Wireless
Device 0120.
2.2.3 METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF HISTORICAL DATABASE OF PAYMENT
INFORMATION
[0701] This section describes ways in which Payment Code Module
0730 or another internal or external Module or application can
analyze data stored in a historical database of payment
information. As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary
skill in the art, the present invention can use other ways of
analyzing the information not discussed in this section.
[0702] Payment Code Module 0730 can analyze the purchases in any
given Product category to determine the degree to which an user is
loyal to a given brand or switches brands frequently. An Advertiser
in a Product category would value such data, because the
Advertiser, both the vendor of the brand to which the user is loyal
and the vendor of competing brands, generally prefer not to
advertise to users who are loyal to a brand. The vendor of the
brand to which the user is loyal can afford to devote advertising
budget resources to other users, because the loyal user is unlikely
to switch from the loyal brand. The vendor of competing brands can
devote advertising budget resources to other users, because the
loyal user is unlikely to switch to the competing brand.
[0703] Payment Code Module 0730 can analyze purchases in any given
Product category to determine the degree to which an user prefers
different types of Products within a Product category. Payment Code
Module 0730 can apply any kind of criteria to divide Products
within the Product category, including, but not limited to: price,
feature, function, and/or size. For example, Payment Code Module
0730 can divide the Product category of automobiles into three
different price categories: high, medium, or low. Payment Code
Module 0730 can use any price level to determine the boundaries for
each price category. If HUPP Database shows that an user regularly
purchased automobiles in the high price category, an Advertiser
selling high price automobiles could decide to transmit an
Advertisement promoting its high price automobile, while an
Advertiser selling low price automobiles could decide not to
transmit an Advertisement promoting its low price automobile.
[0704] Payment Code Module 0730 can analyze purchases in any given
Product category to infer whether an user is receptive to
Advertisements in a Product category. If the HUPP Database shows
that an user has not purchased or purchases infrequently a given
Product category, an Advertiser selling Products in that Product
category can decide not to transmit an Advertisement promoting
Products in that Product category.
[0705] Payment Code Module 0730 can analyze purchases in any given
Product category to confirm or reject any data provided by an user
about his/her Product preferences. If an user provides data in a
profile indicating his/her preference for, e.g., meat Products, but
never or rarely buys meat Products according to the HUPP Database,
an Advertiser can decide not to transmit an Advertisement promoting
meat Products.
3.0 MEASURING USER CONSUMPTION AND/OR RESPONSE TO ADVERTISING USING
INDIVIDUAL OR DEVICE IDENTIFIERS
[0706] The present invention can determine whether an Advertisement
delivered to any Media Device 0110 results in a sale in any Retail
Channel also by utilizing unique codes identifying Wireless Device
0120, the user of Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device 0110, the
user of any Media Device 0110, and/or the Target Customer,
associating such unique codes with any Advertisement and/or Ad Data
Codes 0200 transmitted to any Media Device 0110 and/or any Payment
Receipt 1900 in any Retail Channel, and transmitting such unique
codes, Ad Data Codes 0200, and/or Payment Receipts 1900 from a
Wireless Device 0120, Media Device 0110, POS System 0130, and/or
Retailer Server 0140 to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or
indirectly through a Third Party Server 0150.
[0707] The present invention can assign an unique code to identify
Wireless Device 0120, the user of Wireless Device 0120, any Media
Device 0110, the user of any Media Device 0110, and/or the Target
Customer, which can enable the anonymous viewing of an
Advertisement and anonymous purchasing of a Product promoted in
such Advertisement by the user of such Device ("Anonymous User ID
Code"), i.e., a unique code that is not associated with any
personally identifiable information of the user of such Device. Ad
Data Code Module 0728 can write and/or append an Anonymous User ID
Code to the record of any Ad Data Code 0200 received by Wireless
Device 0120 whose parameters the Module can write to Ad Data File
0734. Payment Code Module 0730 can write and/or append an Anonymous
User ID Code to the record of any Payment Receipt 1900 received by
Wireless Device 0120 whose parameters the Module can write to
Payment Data File 0740. While a typical Payment Receipt 1900
generated by a Retailer can include personally identifiable
information, e.g., the name of the purchaser and/or the
credit/debit card number of the purchaser, Payment Code Module 0730
can scan a Payment Receipt 1900 and write to Payment Data File 0740
data that excludes any such personally identifiable
information.
[0708] Whether the present invention assigns an Anonymous User ID
Code or assigns an unique code or existing code to identify
Wireless Device 0120, the user of Wireless Device 0120, any Media
Device 0110, the user of any Media Device 0110, and/or the Target
Customer that is associated with personally identifiable
information of the user of such Device ("Identifiable User ID"),
the present invention can enable the calculation of ROI for the
Advertisement viewed on distributed devices. That is, the present
invention can enable the calculation of ROI for the Advertisement
viewed: (1) on a single device, e.g., Wireless Device 0120, which
can calculate the ROI for an Advertisement by reading data from Ad
Data File 0734 and Payment Data File 0740 stored locally; (2)
across multiple devices, e.g., Wireless Device 0120 can calculate
the denominator of the ROI for an Advertisement by reading data
from one or more records in Ad Data File 0734 stored on Wireless
Device 0120 and/or Retailer Server 0140 can calculate the numerator
of the ROI for an Advertisement by reading data from one or more
records in Payment Data File 0740 stored on Retailer Server 0140,
which received Payment Data File 0740 from Wireless Device 0120
when the user of Wireless Device 0120 purchased a Product promoted
in such Advertisement.
[0709] The present invention can distinguish a Target Customer from
a Wireless Device 0120 and an user of Wireless Device 0120 by
defining a Target Customer as an individual whose response to such
Advertisement an Advertiser wishes to track and who may not use a
Wireless Device 0120. That is, the present invention includes
systems, methods, apparatus, and/or computer program products
enabling an Advertiser to measure the viewing of an Advertisement
and responses, including, but not limited to, purchasing of
Products promoted in such Advertisement and/or Intermediate
Response, to such Advertisement by a Target Customer without
requiring any change to Wireless Device 0120. For example, the
present invention includes systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or
computer program products enabling an Advertiser to measure: (1)
the viewing of an Advertisement by a Target Customer by having such
consumer input his/her Shopper Loyalty ID Code into a Media Device
0110 and associating such Shopper Loyalty ID Code with an Ad Data
Code 0200 for a given Advertisement; and (2) responses to such
Advertisement by a Target Customer by obtaining transaction data
from a Retailer associated with such consumer using his/her shopper
loyalty card.
[0710] A unique code, referred to herein as a "Unique WD Code," is
data which uniquely identifies a Wireless Device 0120, the user of
a Wireless Device 0120, and/or a Target Customer. The Unique WD
Code can assume a variety of forms, including, but not limited to:
(1) alphanumeric form (i.e., any series of letters and/or numbers
which are in a form that a computer program product can process),
(2) non-alphanumeric form, including, but not limited to: any
audio, image, video, and/or biometric-based data which can uniquely
identify Wireless Device 0120, the user of Wireless Device 0120,
and/or the Target Customer. As would be appreciated by any person
with ordinary skill in the art, the Unique WD Code can take other
forms.
[0711] An Existing Unique ID Code is an unique code of any data
type generated by a Third Party for a purpose other than measuring
advertising effectiveness and/or personalization of an
Advertisement. Examples of Existing Unique ID Codes include, but
are not limited to, shopper loyalty program identification data,
membership identification data, checking account identification
data, communication address data, SIM card number, and the
Electronic Identification Number (EIN) of the Wireless Device
0120.
[0712] Many retailers utilize a shopper loyalty program that may or
may not offer special discounts to encourage users to shop at the
retailer or partners/affiliates of the retailer. Typically, most
retailers offering shopper loyalty programs require an user to scan
at Code Reader 0132 a card, which can include a barcode,
alphanumeric code, magnetic stripe, and/or any other means
identifying a shopper loyalty ID code. In another embodiment, a
retailer enables an user to input into POS System 0130 data with
which the Retailer can associate an unique user of Wireless Device
0120 and/or a Target Customer. For example, some Retailers enable
an user to input his/her phone number, which the retailer then
utilizes to associate the user with an existing Shopper Loyalty ID
Code. One advantage of utilizing a Shopper Loyalty ID Code as the
Existing Unique ID Code is that it enables an Advertiser to measure
if an user purchases a Product promoted in an Advertisement by
using cash, as long as the user inputs the Shopper Loyalty ID
Code.
[0713] Organizations or businesses other than Retailers typically
generate and transmit to an user some type of code uniquely
identifying the user ("Membership ID Code"). For example, most
health plans issue a member a card uniquely identifying the member.
Most schools issue a student a card uniquely identifying the
student. Most membership organizations, e.g., an association, issue
a member a card uniquely identifying the member. The membership ID
code can be used by the systems and methods described herein as an
Existing Unique ID Code.
[0714] Most Retailers accept checks as a form of payment for a
Product. The systems and methods described herein can use
information associated with a check, referred to herein as Check
Unique ID code, to identify the writer of the check, including, but
not limited to, the name of the writer of the check, the checking
account number, and/or the bank; the name of the writer of the
check, a subset of the checking account number (to limit or obviate
the disclosure of personally identifiable information), and/or the
name of the bank; the routing number of the bank and the full
checking account number; and/or any other data that can uniquely
identify the writer of the check.
[0715] The systems and methods described herein may also utilize as
the Existing Unique ID Code any communication address, referred to
herein as a Communication Unique ID code, associated with the
Wireless Device 0120, the user of the Wireless Device 0120, any
Media Device 0110, the user of any Media Device 0110, or a Target
Customer. Examples of communication addresses include, but are not
limited to, a telephone number of the wireline telephone service of
the user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target Customer; the
wireless telephone number associated with Wireless Device 0120
and/or Target Customer, an email address of the user of Wireless
Device 0120, the user of any Media Device 0110, and/or Target
Customer, and/or the mailing address of the user of Wireless Device
0120, the user of any Media Device 0110, and/or Target
Customer.
[0716] The systems and methods described herein may also utilize a
SIM card number and/or electronic identification number (EIN)
associated with the Wireless Device 0120 and/or the Target
Customer, as the Existing Unique ID Code.
[0717] The difference between an Unique WD Code and an Existing
Unique ID Code is that: (1) an Unique WD Code is an unique code of
any data type which uniquely identifies Wireless Device 0120, the
user of Wireless Device 0120, and/or the Target Customer and which
an Advertiser System 0100 and/or a Third Party Server 0150
generates for the purpose of enabling an Advertiser to measure
advertising effectiveness and/or personalize an Advertisement; and
(2) an Existing Unique ID Code is an unique code of any data type
which identifies Wireless Device 0120, the user of Wireless Device
0120, any Media Device 0110, the user of any Media Device 0110,
and/or the Target Customer and which an Advertiser System 0100
and/or a Third Party Server 0150 does not generate for the purpose
of enabling an Advertiser to measure advertising effectiveness
and/or personalize an Advertisement.
[0718] The present invention can enable the measurement of an user
viewing of and response to an Advertisement using an Unique WD Code
and/or an Existing Unique ID Code regardless of how an user
purchases a Product promoted in an Advertisement. That is, the
present invention can measure such purchase whether an user
purchases the Product at a physical retailer, an online retailer, a
retailer from which a Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device 0110,
and/or Target Customer orders by making a phone call, or a retailer
from which a Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device 0110, and/or
Target Customer makes a purchase order through physical delivery,
i.e., through mail order.
[0719] By transmitting unique codes from a Media Device 0110 or POS
System 0130, the present system and methods can reduce the demand
for storage, processing, and wireless transmission capacity on
Wireless Device 0120, which is typically more limited than storage,
processing, and transmission capacity on a Media Device 0110, POS
System 0130, or Retailer Server 0140. In addition, the present
system and methods can enable an Advertiser to track if an
Advertisement delivered to any Media Device 0110 results in a sale
in a Retail Channel without requiring a Retailer to transmit
electronically Payment Receipt 1900 or similar payment record to
Wireless Device 0120, which should increase the number of
transactions that can be measured. Further, by utilizing an
Anonymous User ID Code that excludes any personally identifiable
information, the present systems and methods can enable an
Advertiser to track if an Advertisement delivered to any Media
Device 0110 results in a sale in a Retail Channel without utilizing
personally identifiable information about an user.
3.1 ARCHITECTURE
[0720] FIG. 44 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary system 4400
for measuring user viewing of and response to Advertisements using
unique individual or device identifiers, according to embodiments
of the present invention. System 4400 can include, but is not
limited to: an Advertiser System 0100, a Third Party Server 0150, a
Wireless Device 0120, one or more Media Devices 0110, a POS System
0130, a Retailer Server 0140, and/or a Database Server 4410.
[0721] Advertiser System 0100 can include a set of the
functionality described above in Section 2. In addition, Advertiser
System 0100 is configured to receive data from any Media Device
0110 uniquely identifying a Wireless Device 0120, an user of
Wireless Device 0120, the Media Device 0110, an user of Media
Device 0110, and/or a Target Customer, including, but not limited
to, Unique WD Code, Existing Unique ID Code, and/or any other
unique code. The Advertiser System 0100 may be further configured
to associate the unique identification code with an Ad Data Code
0200.
[0722] Wireless Device 0120 includes a set of the components and
functionality described above in Sections 1 and 2. In addition,
Wireless Device 0120 is configured to transmit through its I-O
Devices an Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110
to a Media Device 0110 configured to receive such codes. Wireless
Device 0120 is further configured to transmit through its I-O
Devices the Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110
to any POS System 0130. Wireless Device 0120 can include an Ad Data
Code Module 0728, a Payment Code Module 0730, an URMA Module 0744,
an Ad Data File 0734, a Payment Data File 0740, an Ad Response File
0738, and a Matching Event File 0742. As would be appreciated by
any person with ordinary skill in the art, a Wireless Device 0120
may include additional components (such as those described in
Section 2 above).
[0723] In addition to the functionality described above in Section
2, Ad Data Code Module 0728 is configured to write and/or store an
Unique WD Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code and/or transmitting
the codes to a Media Device 0110 and/or Payment Device 0134.
[0724] Payment Code Module 0730 may include a set of the
functionality described above in Section 2. In addition, Payment
Code Module 0730 is configured to store, write, and/or append
additional parameters unique to Wireless Device 0120 to the
parameters generated by a Retailer, which can include, but are not
limited to: transmitting a unique code that identifies Wireless
Device 0120, the user of Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device
0110, the user of any Media Device 0110, and/or the Target
Customer, which can enable the present invention to match an user
of Wireless Device 0120 viewing the Advertisement and such user
purchasing a Product promoted in such Advertisement; and/or the
date, time, and/or location Wireless Device 0120 received Payment
Receipt 1900, whose parameters such Module can write to Payment
Data File 0740.
[0725] Media Devices 0110 are described in detail in Section 2
above. In addition to a set of the functionalities described above,
Media Devices 0110 are configured to associate the Unique WD Code
4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 with Ad Data Code 0200. A
Media Device 0110 is further configured to transmit the associated
Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data
Code 0200 to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through
a Third Party Server 0150.
[0726] In another embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third
Party Server 0140 can associate an Ad Data Code 200 with an Unique
WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 through a variety
of means, including, but not limited to, the following method.
[0727] When a Media Device 0110 transmits to an Advertiser System
0100 a request for an Advertisement, the Advertiser System 0100 can
transmit the Advertisement and then associate an Ad Data Code 0200
with an Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 as
follows.
[0728] First, Media Device 0110 can transmit to an Advertiser
System 0100 through a network, e.g., the Internet, an Unique WD
Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 to a data-handling
process at Advertiser System 0100, which can write and/or store
such codes in any Memory 0012 of Advertiser System 0100 in a
variety of means, including, but not limited to: utilizing the POST
method in HTTP to transmit a block of data, e.g., the Unique WD
Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110, to Advertiser System
0100; utilizing the PUT method in HTTP to transmit a block of data,
e.g., the Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110,
to Advertiser System 0100; utilizing the PUT method in FTP to
transmit a block of data, e.g., the Unique WD Code 4910 and/or
Existing Unique ID Code 5110, to Advertiser System 0100; and/or
utilizing the SEND method in SMTP to transmit a block of data,
e.g., the Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110,
to Advertiser System 0100. The present invention can utilize any
method readily apparent to any person with ordinary skill in the
art to enable Advertiser System 0100 to authenticate a request by a
Media Device 0110 to transmit to Advertiser System 0100 an Unique
WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and/or Media
Device 0110 to provide said authentication information.
[0729] Second, Advertiser System 0100 can identify the Media Device
0110 transmitting an Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 as the same Media Device 0110 to which it transmitted an
Advertisement in a variety of means, including, but not limited to:
reading the IP address in the source address field of an IP header
of the packet(s) constituting or carrying the Unique WD Code 4910
and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and matching said source
address with the IP address in the destination address field of an
IP header of the packet(s) constituting the Advertisement and/or
its associated Ad Data Code; and/or reading the email address in
the FROM request-header field in HTTP of a file including the
Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and
matching said email address with the email address to which the
Advertiser System 0100 transmitted an Advertisement and/or its
associated Ad Data Code.
[0730] Third, Advertiser System 0100 can associate the Unique WD
Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 with the Ad Data Code
0200 describing the Advertisement Advertiser System 0100
transmitted to the Media Device 0110.
[0731] In general, a POS System 0130 is a system operated by a
Retailer to execute the sale of a Product. POS System 0130 and
Retailer Server 0140 include a set of the components and
functionality described above in Section 2. In addition, POS System
0130 and/or Retailer Server 0140 are configured to associate an
Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 with the
Specific Transaction Record 4920. POS System 0130 and/or Retailer
Server 0140 is further configured to transmit the associated Unique
WD Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code and Specific Transaction
Record to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a
Third Party Server 0150.
[0732] POS System 0130 and/or Retailer Server 0140 can identify
data on an electronic or non-electronic form that uniquely
identifies the user of Wireless Device 0120, the user of any Media
Device 0110, and/or the Target Customer, e.g., the name on a check,
the financial institution issuing the check (as identified by,
e.g., the name or routing number of the financial institution), and
a subset of the checking account number. POS System 0130 and/or
Retailer Server 0140 can transmit an Existing Unique ID Code to an
Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through Third Party
Server 0150. The user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target
Customer can transmit Existing Unique ID Code to any Media Device
0110, which can associate the code with any Ad Data Code 0200 and
transmit the associated Existing Unique ID Code and Ad Data Code
0200 to an Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party Server 0150.
Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party Server 0150 can then: (1)
search through the purchases made by the user of Wireless Device
0120 and/or Target Customer identified by the Existing Unique ID
Code; (2) search through the Advertisements viewed by the user of
Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target Customer identified by the
Existing Unique ID Code; and (3) matching any purchases of a
Product with a Product promoted in an Advertisement viewed by the
user and/or Target Customer.
[0733] In a physical retailer, POS System 0130 can comprise a Code
Reader 0132 and a Payment Device 0134. In an online retailer, POS
System 0130 comprises a Payment Device 0134.
[0734] Code Reader 0132 can read data transmitted from Wireless
Device 0120, user of Wireless Device 0120, and/or Target Customer.
Code Reader 0132 may be fixed or mobile. In addition, Code Reader
0132 can read data from a barcode, a string of characters which can
be converted into a barcode, or any other form of data including a
Unique WD Code and/or an Existing Unique ID Code. In one
embodiment, Code Reader 0132 can also read data embedded in a
paper-based check (e.g., a check reader utilized by some
retailers).
[0735] In another embodiment, Code Reader 0132 can scan a smart
card, a non-smart card, and/or Wireless Device 0120. A smart card
is any card that is embedded with a microprocessor, which can
process data on the card, and memory, which can store data on the
card. A Smart Card can be either a "contact" card which can
exchange data with a card reader by a variety of means of
contacting such card reader or a "contactless" card which can
exchange data with a card reader by using radio frequency signals.
A non-smart card is any card that is not a Smart Card. A Non-Smart
Card can include data in any form, including, but not limited to, a
barcode or any string of characters which can be converted into a
barcode, that can be read by a POS System 0130, in general, and a
Code Reader 0132, in particular. For example, most Retailers issue
consumers a card, which includes a Shopper Loyalty ID Code. A
Retailer can assign a Shopper Loyalty ID Code through a variety of
means, including, but not limited to: printing on the card a
barcode or any string of characters which can be converted into a
barcode; and/or embedding such code in a magnetic stripe on the
card.
[0736] Payment Device 0134 includes a set of the functionality
described in Section 2.
[0737] Database Server 4410 can be a server that can include one or
more databases, including, but not limited to: Transaction Database
1452; Customer Database 1454; and/or Other Database 4412. Database
Server 4410 can be the same server as Advertiser System 0100,
Retailer Server 0140, or a different server. Database Server 4410
can store the records of transactions, regardless of the retail
channel through which an user purchased one or more Products. The
retail channels can include, but are not limited to: a physical
retailer, an online retailer, a retailer from which an user orders
by making a phone call, or a retailer from which an user makes a
purchase order through physical delivery, i.e., through mail
order.
[0738] Transaction Database 1452 is configured to store one or more
records, each of which can include one or more values about any
given transaction, including, but not limited to: an Existing
Unique ID Code 5110; an Unique WD Code 4910; an Ad Data Code 0200
or any of the values included in such code, of which one value can
be an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 (e.g., an Ad Data Code 0200 can
be in the form of an electronic coupon redeemed by an user); and/or
a Specific Transaction Record 4920 or any of the values included in
such record, including, but not limited to, an Existing Unique ID
Code 5110, an unique code utilized by an Advertiser and/or Retailer
to identify a Product, e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN, and/or any data
identifying such Advertiser and/or Retailer.
[0739] Customer Database 1454 is configured to store one or more
records, each of which can include one or more values about any
given customer, actual or potential, including, but not limited to,
an Existing Unique ID Code 5110; an Unique WD Code 4910; an Ad Data
Code 0200 or any of the values included in such code, of which one
value can be an Existing Unique ID Code 5110; and/or a Specific
Transaction Record 4920 or any of the values included in such
record, including, but not limited to, an Existing Unique ID Code
5110, an unique code utilized by an Advertiser and/or Retailer to
identify a Product, e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN, and/or any data identifying
such Advertiser and/or Retailer.
[0740] Other Database 4412 can be any database other than a
Transaction Database 1452 or a Customer Database 1454, and can be
configured to store one or more records, each of which can include
one or more values, including, but not limited to, an Existing
Unique ID Code 5110; an Unique WD Code 4910; an Ad Data Code 0200
or any of the values included in such code, of which one value can
be an Existing Unique ID Code 5110; and/or a Specific Transaction
Record 4920 or any of the values included in such record,
including, but not limited to, an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, an
unique code utilized by an Advertiser and/or Retailer to identify a
Product, e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN, and/or any data identifying such
Advertiser and/or Retailer.
[0741] The databases described in FIG. 44 can be the same databases
described in FIG. 14. That is, Transaction Database 1452 in FIG. 44
can be the same database as Transaction Database 1452 in FIG. 14,
and Customer Database 1454 in FIG. 44 can be the same database as
Customer Database 1454 in FIG. 14. For example, Database Server
4410 can include the same databases as the databases on Retailer
Server 0140, e.g., where an Advertiser is an automobile dealer
which both advertises and sells a Product it advertises or any
physical retailer which both advertises and sells Products it
advertises. In another embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 and a
Retailer Server 0140 can operate jointly the databases on Database
Server 4410, e.g., where an Advertiser is an automobile
manufacturer and one or more Retailers are affiliated automobile
dealers. In another embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can access
the Database Server 4410 operated by Retailer Server 0140 of
affiliated Retailers, e.g., where an Advertiser is an automobile
manufacturer with the permission and capability to access the
databases of affiliated automobile dealers. In another embodiment,
Advertiser System 0100 can access the Database Server 4410 operated
by Retailer Server 0140 of independent Retailers, e.g., where an
Advertiser has the permission and capability to access the
databases of independent Retailers selling its Products, like
supermarkets, drugstores, and mass merchandisers. In another
embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can access directly the Database
Server 4410, e.g., where an Advertiser owns and/or operates
Retailer Server 0140, e.g., where a manufacturer owns and/or
operates its own physical and/or online stores. In another
embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can access the Database Server
4410 operated by Retailer Server 0140 of an online Retailer, e.g.,
where an Advertiser has the permission and capability to access the
databases of such online Retailers.
[0742] In another embodiment, Transaction Database 1452 can be a
database different from Transaction Database 1452 and/or Customer
Database 1454 can be a database different from Customer Database
1454. In the present embodiment, even where an Advertiser is also a
Retailer, Database Server 4410 can include a Customer Database 1454
in FIG. 44 which is different from Customer Database 1454 in FIG.
14, e.g., where an Advertiser is a physical retailer which has a
Web Server transmitting an Advertisement and its associated Ad Data
Code 0200 and also has a Retailer Server 0140 where it processes
specific transactions.
[0743] In addition to a set of the functionality described in
Section 2, Third Party Server 0150 is configured to exchange data
with Media Device 0110, Wireless Device 0120, POS System 0130,
Retailer Server 0140, Database Server 4410, and/or Advertiser
System 0100. The data can include, but is not limited to: Unique WD
Codes, Existing Unique ID Codes, Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment
Receipts 1900, Ad Data File 0734, Payment Data File 0740, Ad
Response File 0738, and/or Matching Event File 0742.
3.1.1 EXEMPLARY SYSTEMS
[0744] FIG. 45 depicts a functional block diagram of a system 4500
enabling the exchange of Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts 1900,
Ad Data Files 0734, Payment Data Files 0740, Ad Response File 0738
(not pictured), and/or Matching Event Files 0742 between an
Advertiser System 0100 and one or more devices, according to
embodiments of the present invention. To calculate the ROI of any
given Advertisement and/or determine the CPS to bid or pay for any
given Media Location, an Advertiser System 0100 requires either:
(1) the original data measuring the user viewing of Advertisements
and user purchasing of Products promoted in such Advertisements,
e.g., data included in Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts 1900,
Ad Data File 0734, Payment Data File 0740, Ad Response File 0738,
and/or Matching Event File 0742; and/or (2) the data analyzing data
included in Ad Data File 0734, Payment Data File 0740, Ad Response
File 0738, and/or Matching Event File 0742.
[0745] System 4500 includes one or more devices that can receive,
collect, process, store, and/or transmit data constituting one or
more Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts 1900, Ad Data Files 0734,
Payment Data Files 0740, Ad Response Files 0738 (not pictured),
and/or Matching Event Files 0742. These devices can include, but
are not limited to: one or more Wireless Device 0120, one or Media
Devices 0110 which can receive, collect, process, store, and/or
transmit one or more Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts 1900, Ad
Data Files 0734, Payment Data Files 0740, Ad Response Files 0738,
and/or Matching Event Files 0742, one or more Payment Devices 0134
which can receive, collect, process, store, and/or transmit one or
more Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts 1900, Ad Data Files 0734,
Payment Data Files 0740, Ad Response Files 0738, and/or Matching
Event Files 0742, one ore more Third Party Servers 0150, and/or one
or more Advertiser Systems 0100.
[0746] The Media Devices 0110 may include any of the Media Devices
0110 discussed above in Section 2. A Payment Device 0134 may be
connected to and/or integrated with a POS System 0130 and/or
Retailer Server 0140.
[0747] FIG. 46 depicts a functional block diagram of a system
enabling the exchange of Ad Data Codes 0200, Payment Receipts 1900,
Ad Data Files 0734, Payment Data Files 0740, Ad Response Files
0738, and/or Matching Event Files 0742 between an Advertiser that
is a financial institution with an ATM and one or more devices,
according to embodiments of the present invention. Note that the
system of FIG. 46 can be used in conjunction with the methods
described in Sections 2 and 3 herein.
[0748] FIG. 47 depicts a functional block diagram of a system
enabling the measurement of an user viewing of an Advertisement and
an user paying for a Product through a bill payment program on a
Wireless Device 0120 or any Media Device 0110, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0749] Wireless Device 0120 includes a Unique WD Code 4712,
Existing Unique ID Code (not pictured), Bill Payment Program 4710,
and/or Bank Account Data 0754.
[0750] Personal Computer 0308 includes a Bill Payment Program 4720
and/or Existing Unique ID Code (not pictured).
[0751] Advertiser System 0100 includes a Bill Payment Program 4732,
and/or Invoice Program 4734. In this embodiment, Advertiser System
0100 can both transmit one or more Advertisements and their
associated Ad Data Codes 0200 as well as execute online
transactions by billing an user of any Media Device, e.g., Personal
Computer 0308, through Invoice Program 4734 and receiving online
payments through Bill Payment Program 4732.
3.2 METHODS
3.2.1 UNIQUE CODE
[0752] FIG. 48 depicts a flowchart 4800 of an exemplary method of
enabling an Advertiser to track if an Advertisement delivered to
any Media Device 0110 results in a sale in any Retail Channel using
an Unique WD Code, according to embodiments of the present
invention. Flowchart or Method 4800 is described with reference to
the system depicted in FIG. 49. However, flowchart 4800 is not
limited to that embodiment. The present invention can implement
flowchart 4800 by executing a subset of the steps, executing the
steps in different order, and/or executing other or additional
related or equivalent steps.
[0753] In step 4810, an Unique WD Code is generated and transmitted
to a Wireless Device 0120. In one embodiment, Third Party Server
0150 generates the Unique WD Code. An Unique WD Code can be
assigned and transmitted to Wireless Device 0120, the user of
Wireless Device 0120, and/or the Target User its/his/her Unique WD
Code through a variety of means.
[0754] For example, the manufacturer or assembler of Wireless
Device 0120 may install an Unique WD Code in Wireless Device 0120
at the time of manufacture or assembly. In addition or
alternatively, the wireless operator or other company providing
Wireless Device 0120 may install the code in Wireless Device 0120
after manufacture or assembly and before delivery of Wireless
Device 0120 to the user. In addition or alternatively, the user may
download the code to Wireless Device 0120 after delivery of the
device through any wired network, wireless network, or combination
of wired and wireless networks. Wireless Device 0120 can physically
store its Unique WD Code in Memory 0012. Wireless Device 0120 can
logically store its Unique WD Code in any computer program product
or module located in Wireless Device 0120, including, but not
limited to, Ad Data Code Module 0728 and/or Payment Code Module
0730. As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in
the art, the present invention can use other techniques for loading
the code in Wireless Device 0120.
[0755] In addition to storage in Wireless Device 0120, the code can
be stored in another device having a memory. For example, the code
may be transmitted to a smart card utilized by the Target Customer.
In addition or alternatively, the code may be delivered to the
Target Customer on a physical card ("Physical Card Unique WD Code")
for the consumer.
[0756] In step 4812, a Media Operator 0104 transmits to or
publishes on any Media Device 0110 the Advertisement, which can
include an Ad Data Code 0200, in a Media Program, in general, and
specifically in a Media Location. In addition, in this step, an
individual can view the Advertisement.
[0757] In step 4814, the Wireless Device 0120 enters the coverage
area of a Media Device 0110. The coverage area is determined by the
transmission range of the type of I-O Device used to receive
communications. For example, the coverage area may be the
transmission range of the Short-Range Antenna and/or Wired Port of
a Media Device 0110.
[0758] In step 4816, Ad Data Code Module 0728 can transmit the
Unique WD Code through one or more I-O Devices which are within
transmission range of one or more Short-Range Antennas of the Media
Device 0110 and/or connected to a Wired Port of the Media Device
0110. Ad Data Code Module 0728 can include any method which can
automatically transmit the Unique WD Code if Wireless Device 0120
is within transmission range of one or more I-O Devices of any
Media Device 0110.
[0759] In step 4818, the Media Device 0110 receives and stores in
its memory the Unique WD Code. If the Media Device 0110 can receive
the Unique WD Code, an Advertiser can generally assume that the
user of Wireless Device 0120 is in the vicinity of the Media Device
0110 and is exposed to any Advertisement displayed on the Media
Device 0110. For example, Class 2 radios, typically found in
wireless devices, which utilize the Bluetooth protocol have a range
of 10 meters. An Advertiser can generally assume that if Wireless
Device 0120 can transmit utilizing Bluetooth protocol a Unique WD
Code to any Media Device 0110, the user of Wireless Device 0120 is
exposed to an Advertisement displayed on the Media Device 0110. If
the Media Device 0110 cannot receive the Unique WD Code, an
Advertiser can generally assume that the user of Wireless Device
0120 is not in the vicinity of the Media Device 0110 and is not
exposed to an Advertisement displayed on the Media Device 0110.
[0760] If the Media Device 0110 is a Personal Computer 0308,
Personal Computer 0308 can receive and store in its Memory 0012 the
Unique WD Code. If the Media Device 0110 is a Television 0304, STB
0500 (illustrated in FIG. 5) can receive and store in Memory 0514
the Unique WD Code. If the Media Device 0110 is any other Media
Device 0110 with memory, it can receive and store in its memory the
Unique WD Code.
[0761] In step 4820, the Media Device 0110 can determine if
Wireless Device 0120 remains within range of the Media Device 0110,
which can enable an Advertiser to assume reasonably that the user
of Wireless Device 0120 is exposed to an Advertisement displayed on
the Media Device 0110. A variety of techniques can be used to
determine if Wireless Device 0120 remains within range of the Media
Device 0110.
[0762] For example, the Media Device 0110 can poll periodically
through any of its Short-Range Antennas and/or Wired Port the
Wireless Device 0120 utilizing any method readily apparent to any
person with ordinary skill in the art. As long as the Media Device
0110 receives some form of acknowledgment or response from Wireless
Device 0120, the Media Device 0110 can conclude that Wireless
Device 0120 is within range of the Media Device 0110. When the
Media Device 0110 does not receive some form of acknowledgment or
response from Wireless Device 0120, the Media Device 0110 can
conclude that an user of Wireless Device 0120 has moved the
Wireless Device 0120 out of range of the Media Device 0110. The
acknowledgment or response from Wireless Device 0120 can include
the Unique WD Code of Wireless Device 0120.
[0763] In another example, the Wireless Device 0120 can
periodically transmit to the Media Device 0110 data indicating that
the Wireless Device 0120 is within range of the Media Device 0110
("WD Vicinity Data") utilizing any method readily apparent to any
person with ordinary skill in the art. As long as the Media Device
0110 receives WD Vicinity Data, the Media Device 0110 can conclude
that Wireless Device 0120 is within range of the Media Device 0110.
When the Media Device 0110 does not receive WD Vicinity Data within
a given time period, the Media Device 0110 can conclude that an
user of Wireless Device 0120 has moved the Wireless Device 0120 out
of range of the Media Device 0110. WD Vicinity Data can include the
Unique WD Code of Wireless Device 0120.
[0764] As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in
the art, other techniques for determining if Wireless Device 0120
remains within range of the Media Device 0110 can be used.
[0765] In step 4822, when the Media Device 0110 receives an
Advertisement and its associated Ad Data Code 0200, the Media
Device 0110 can associate the Unique WD Code with the Ad Data Code
0200. The present method can ensure that the Media Device 0110 can
associate the Unique WD Code with the Ad Data Code 0200 only when
Wireless Device 0120 is within range of the Media Device 0110 in a
variety of means, including, but not limited to: setting a
time-to-live value for the Unique WD Code that is related to the
continued reception of WD Vicinity Data by the Media Device
0110.
[0766] The Media Device 0110 can associate the Unique WD Code with
the Ad Data Code 0200 through a variety of means, including, but
not limited to: writing the Unique WD Code to a field in Ad Data
Code 0200; appending the Unique WD Code to Ad Data Code 0200;
and/or generating a date/time stamp for the reception of the Ad
Data Code 0200, generating a date/time stamp for the Unique WD
Code, transmitting separately both the Ad Data Code 0200 and the
Unique WD Code to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly
through a Third Party Server 0150, and enabling Advertiser System
0100 and/or Third Party Server 0150 to match those Unique WD Code
and Ad Data Code 0200 with equal date/time stamps or similar
date/time stamps (i.e., within a given range).
[0767] If the Media Device 0110 is a Personal Computer 0308, the
association of the Unique WD Code with the Ad Data Code 0200 means
that the user of Wireless Device 0120 was in the vicinity of
Personal Computer 0308 at the time Personal Computer 0308 displayed
the Advertisement identified by its Ad Data Code 0200. Advertiser
System 0100 can reasonably assume that the user of Wireless Device
0120 was exposed to the Advertisement.
[0768] If the Media Device 0110 is a Television 0304, the
association of the Unique WD Code with the Ad Data Code 0200 means
that the user of Wireless Device 0120 was in the vicinity of STB
0500 at the time Television 0304 displayed the Advertisement
identified by its Ad Data Code 0200. Advertiser System 0100 can
reasonably conclude that the user of Wireless Device 0120 was
exposed to the Advertisement.
[0769] If the Media Device 0110 is any other Media Device 0110, the
association of the Unique WD Code with the Ad Data Code 0200 means
that the user of Wireless Device 0120 was in the vicinity of the
Media Device 0110 at the time the display device of the Media
Device 0110 displayed the Advertisement identified by its Ad Data
Code 0200. Advertiser System 0100 can reasonably conclude that the
user of Wireless Device 0120 was exposed to the Advertisement.
[0770] The method of flowchart 4800 can enable an Advertiser System
0100 to transmit directly to a Wireless Device 0120 an
Advertisement and its associated Ad Data Code 0200. The Wireless
Device 0120 can associate the Unique WD Code with the Ad Data Code
0200 utilizing the same methods that any other Media Device 0110
can use to associate the Unique WD Code with the Ad Data Code
0200.
[0771] In step 4824, the Media Device 0110 can transmit the
associated Unique WD Code and Ad Data Code 0200 to an Advertiser
System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third Party Server
0150. The association of the codes can enable Advertiser System
0100 to conclude reasonably that the user of Wireless Device 0120
was exposed to the Advertisement identified by its associated Ad
Data Code 0200.
[0772] In another embodiment, the Media Device 0110 can transmit
the Unique WD Code for which the Media Device 0110 generated a
date/time stamp to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly
through Third Party Server 0150, either or both of which can
compare the date/time stamp of the Unique WD Code and the date/time
stamp of any Advertisements displayed on the Media Device 0110 as
stored on a database. For example, if Advertiser System 0100
receives a file indicating the date/time stamp of Unique WD Code
indicating that Wireless Device 0120 was in the vicinity of a
Television 0304, Radio 0410, or Personal Computer 0308 receiving a
video transmission of an Advertisement, Advertiser System 0100 can
match the date/time stamp with the date/time of any Advertisements
it transmitted to the Media Devices 0110. In the present
embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 does not need to transmit an Ad
Data Code 0200 to a Media Device 0110 to measure if a Wireless
Device 0120 was exposed to an Advertisement. Advertiser System 0100
can determine that a Wireless Device 0120 was exposed to an
Advertisement by associating an Unique WD Code which a Media Device
0110 identifies as present in the vicinity at the date/time
Advertiser System 0100 transmits an Advertisement with an Ad Data
Code 0200 on Advertiser System 0100, instead of on a Media Device
0110.
[0773] In step 4826, the user of Wireless Device 0120 can visit any
type of Retailer, including, but not limited to: a physical
retailer, an online retailer, a retailer through making a phone
call, or a retailer through physically delivering, i.e., through
mail order, a purchase order.
[0774] In step 4828, the user of Wireless Device 0120 can transmit
its Unique WD Code to any to any I-O Device of a Retailer. A
Retailer can receive the Unique WD Code through one or more
means
[0775] For example, at a physical retailer, the user of Wireless
Device 0120 can display the Unique WD Code in the form of a barcode
on Display 0120 of the Wireless Device 0120 and hold Wireless
Device 0120 at a distance and angle to enable Code Reader 0132 at
the Retailer to record the Code.
[0776] In another example, at a physical retailer, the user of
Wireless Device 0120 can transmit the Unique WD Code wirelessly
from any its I-O Devices, including, but not limited to,
Short-Range Antenna 0324, Infrared Transceiver 0330, RFID Device
0334, NFC Antenna 0338, or I-O Device 0339, to any Code Reader 0132
at the POS System 0130 which includes I-O Devices capable of
receiving the Unique WD Code wirelessly.
[0777] In another example, at an online retailer with which the
user of Wireless Device 0120 communicates through a wireless
Internet connection originated by the Device, the user can transmit
the Unique WD Code wirelessly to the retailer.
[0778] In another example, at a retailer with which the user of
Wireless Device 0120 communicates through making a wireless phone
call originated by the Device, the user can transmit the Unique WD
Code wirelessly to the retailer.
[0779] In another example, at a retailer to which the user of
Wireless Device 0120 physically delivers a purchase order through
the mail, the user can transmit the Unique WD Code wirelessly to
the retailer through the retailer's Web site.
[0780] As would be appreciated by any person with ordinary skill in
the art, the present invention can use other techniques for
receiving the Unique WD Code.
[0781] In step 4830, the Retailer can transmit the Unique WD Code
from: (1) the Retailer device that receives the Unique WD Code from
the Wireless Device 0120; to (2) Retailer Server 0140 that contains
a database of transactions executed by the Retailer.
[0782] At a physical retailer, the Retailer can transmit the Unique
WD Code from Code Reader 0132 and/or Payment Device 0134 to Control
Unit 1410 (illustrated in FIG. 14), which in turn can transmit
through Communication Device 1420 and Communication Device 1440 the
Unique WD Code to Control Unit 1442, which in turn can transmit the
Unique WD Code to Transaction Database 1452. The Retailer can
associate the Unique WD Code with the record of the Transaction
executed by the user of Wireless Device 0120 at the Retailer, which
is stored in Transaction Database 1452. The record of the
Transaction can be any description by the Retailer of the
transaction, including, but not limited to, Payment Receipt 1900,
and/or any record of the specific transaction executed by the user
of Wireless Device 0120 ("Specific Transaction Record"). The
Retailer can associate the Unique WD Code with the Specific
Transaction Record in a variety of means, including, but not
limited to: writing the Unique WD Code to a field in Transaction
Database 1452; appending the Unique WD Code to the Specific
Transaction Record; and/or generating a date/time stamp for the
generation of the Specific Transaction Record, generating a
date/time stamp for the Unique WD Code, transmitting separately
both the Specific Transaction Record and the Unique WD Code to an
Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third Party
Server 0150, and enabling Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party
Server 0150 to match those Unique WD Code and Specific Transaction
Record with equal date/time stamps or similar date/time stamps
(i.e., within a given range).
[0783] In step 4832, the Retailer can transmit the associated
Unique WD Code and Specific Transaction Record to an Advertiser
System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third Party Server
0150. The association of the codes can enable Advertiser System
0100 to conclude that the user of Wireless Device 0120 made the
specific transaction.
[0784] In step 4834, Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party
Server 0150 can utilize a computer program product with the same
functionality as URMS 0350 to call URMA Module 0744, which can: (1)
search through any file containing data on the Advertisements
viewed by an user with a given Unique WD Code; (2) search through
any file containing data on the Products purchased by the user,
e.g., an user with the Unique WD Code; (3) match any data uniquely
identifying the Product promoted in the Advertisement with the
Product promoted in any Advertisements viewed by the user, e.g.,
UPC/EAN/GTIN or name of Product; and/or (4) write any matching data
to Matching Event File 0742. A match between an Advertisement
viewed by the user as identified by the Ad Data Code 0200 and the
purchase of a Product promoted in the Advertisement as identified
by the Specific Transaction Record as confirmed by the Unique WD
Code can indicate to Advertiser that the Advertisement could have
influenced the user to purchase the Product.
[0785] In another embodiment, a Media Device 0110 can transmit such
Ad Data Code 0200 to Wireless Device 0120, which can associate such
Ad Data Code 0200 with such Unique WD Code. Wireless Device 0120
can then transmit the associated Ad Data Code 0200 and Unique WE
Code to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a
Third Party Server 0150.
[0786] In another embodiment, POS System 0130 can transmit through
Payment Device 0134 or any other means the Specific Transaction
Record to Wireless Device 0120, which can associate such Specific
Transaction Record with such Unique WD Code. Wireless Device 0120
can then transmit the associated Specific Transaction Record and
Unique WD Code to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly
through a Third Party Server 0150
3.2.2 EXISTING UNIQUE ID CODE
[0787] In another embodiment, the system can track if an
Advertisement delivered to any Media Device 0110 results in a sale
in any Retail Channel by utilizing an Existing Unique ID Code
identifying a specific Wireless Device 0120, an user of Wireless
Device 0120, any Media Device 0110, an user of Media Device 0110,
and/or Target Customer, associating such code with any
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Codes 0200 delivered to any Media
Device 0110 and/or any Payment Receipt 1900 in any Retail Channel,
and transmitting such code, Ad Data Codes 0200, and/or Payment
Receipts 1900 from a Media Device 0110 and/or POS System 0130 to an
Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third Party
Server 0150. This method can include the same set of steps as FIG.
48 except the utilization of an Existing Unique ID Code instead of
an Unique WD Code, in general, and: (1) the type of data
identifying a specific Wireless Device 0120, the user of Wireless
Device 0120, a Media Device 0110, the user of Media Device 0110,
and/or the Target Customer; (2) the means by which a Wireless
Device 0120, an user of Wireless Device 0120, an user of Media
Device 0110, and/or the Target Customer can input into and/or
transmit to a Media Device 0110 an Unique WD Code and/or an
Existing Unique ID Code; (3) the means by which a Wireless Device
0120, the user of Wireless Device 0120, a Media Device 0110, the
user of Media Device 0110, and/or the Target Customer can transmit
to a Retailer an Unique WD Code and/or an Existing Unique ID Code;
and/or (4) the means by which a Retailer can associate an Unique WD
Code and/or an Existing Unique ID Code with a Specific Transaction
Record.
[0788] FIG. 50 depicts a flowchart 5000 of an exemplary method of
enabling an Advertiser to track if an Advertisement delivered to
any Media Device 0110 results in a sale in any Retail Channel using
an Existing Unique ID Code, according to embodiments of the present
invention. Flowchart or Method 5000 is described with reference to
the system depicted in FIG. 49. However, flowchart 5000 is not
limited to that embodiment. The present invention can implement
flowchart 5000 by executing a subset of the steps, executing the
steps in different order, and/or executing other or additional
related or equivalent steps.
[0789] In step 5010, a Media Operator 0104 transmits or publishes
on any Media Device 0110 the Advertisement, which can include an Ad
Data Code 0200, in a Media Program and specifically in a Media
Location. In addition, in this step, an individual can view the
Advertisement.
[0790] In step 5012, the Wireless Device 0120 enters the coverage
area of a Media Device 0110. The coverage area is determined by the
transmission range of the type of I-O Device used to receive
communications. For example, the coverage area may be the
transmission range of the Short-Range Antenna and/or Wired Port of
a Media Device 0110.
[0791] In step 5014, Ad Data Code Module 0728 can transmit the
Existing Unique ID Code through one or more I-O Devices which are
within transmission range of one or more Short-Range Antennas of
the Media Device 0110 and/or connected to a Wired Port of the Media
Device 0110. Ad Data Code Module 0728 can include any method which
can automatically transmit the Existing Unique ID Code if Wireless
Device 0120 is within transmission range of one or more I-O Devices
of any Media Device 0110.
[0792] For example, a Synchronization Program can enable Wireless
Device 0120 to transmit to Personal Computer 0308 an Existing
Unique ID code.
[0793] In step 5016, the Media Device 0110 receives and stores in
its memory the Existing Unique ID Code. In addition to the
techniques described in flowchart 4800, a Media Device 0110 may
receive an Existing Unique ID Code in a variety of additional
ways.
[0794] For example, (a) an user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or
Target Customer can scan a barcode and/or any string of characters
which can be converted into a barcode by software in a Wireless
Device 0120 that contains the Existing Unique ID Code, e.g., a card
containing a Shopper Loyalty ID Code, into Wireless Device 0120
through Camera 0232 and/or Barcode Reader 0234; (b) the Wireless
Device 0120 can convert the barcode into an Existing Unique ID Code
and write and store the code in Ad Data Code Module 0728 and/or
Payment Code Module 0730; (c) the Ad Data Code Module 0728 can
transmit the Existing Unique ID Code to any Media Device 0110
through any I-O Device of Wireless Device 0120 to any I-O Device of
the Media Device 0110; and/or (d) the Media Device 0110 can write
and store the Existing Unique ID Code to and in its memory, e.g.,
Memory 0012 of a Personal Computer 0308, and Memory 0514 of a STB
0500.
[0795] In another example, (a) an user of Wireless Device 0120
and/or Target Customer can input any string of characters that
comprises an Existing Unique ID Code, e.g., a card containing a
Shopper Loyalty ID Code, into Wireless Device 0120 through Keypad
0766 of the Wireless Device 0120; (b) the Wireless Device 0120 can
write and store the code in Ad Data Code Module 0728 and/or Payment
Code Module 0730; (c) the Ad Data Code Module 0728 can transmit the
Existing Unique ID Code to any Media Device 0110 through any I-O
Device of Wireless Device 0120 to any I-O Device of the Media
Device 0110; and/or (d) the Media Device 0110 can write and store
the Existing Unique ID Code to and in its memory, e.g., Memory 0012
of a Personal Computer 0308, and Memory 0514 of a STB 0500.
[0796] In an additional example, (a) an user of Wireless Device
0120 and/or Target Customer can place a contactless Smart Card
within transmission range of a card reader capable of receiving
data from a contactless Smart Card and/or place a contact Smart
Card in physical contract of a card reader capable of receiving
data from a contact Smart Card wherein the Smart Card contains the
Existing Unique ID Code; (b) the Wireless Device 0120 store
Existing Unique ID Code in Ad Data Code Module 0728 and/or Payment
Code Module 0730; (c) the Ad Data Code Module 0728 transmit the
Existing Unique ID Code to any Media Device 0110 through any I-O
Device of Wireless Device 0120 to any I-O Device of the Media
Device 0110; and/or (d) the Media Device 0110 can write and store
the Existing Unique ID Code to and in its memory, e.g., Memory 0012
of a Personal Computer 0308, and Memory 0514 of a STB 0500.
[0797] In another example, an user of Wireless Device 0120, an user
of any Media Device 0110, and/or Target Customer can orally
communicate the Existing Unique ID Code to any Media Device 0110,
which can include a computer program product capable of converting
speech to data, which Media Device 0110 can then write and store to
and in its memory, e.g., Memory 0012 of a Personal Computer 0308,
and Memory 0514 of a STB 0500.
[0798] In another example, an user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or
Target Customer can orally communicate the Existing Unique ID Code
through Microphone 0328 to Wireless Device 0120, which can include
a computer program product capable of converting speech to data,
which Wireless Device 0120 can store the Existing Unique ID Code in
Ad Data Code Module 0728 and/or Payment Code Module 0730, which Ad
Data Code Module 0728 can transmit the Existing Unique ID Code to
any Media Device 0110 through any I-O Device of Wireless Device
0120 to any I-O Device of the Media Device 0110, and/or which the
Media Device 0110 can write and store the Existing Unique ID Code
to and in its memory, e.g., Memory 0012 of a Personal Computer
0308, and Memory 0514 of a STB 0500.
[0799] In step 5018, the Media Device 0110 can determine if
Wireless Device 0120 remains within range of the Media Device 0110,
which can enable an Advertiser to assume reasonably that the user
of Wireless Device 0120 is exposed to an Advertisement displayed on
the Media Device 0110. The techniques for making this determination
were described above in reference to FIG. 48.
[0800] In step 5020, when the Media Device 0110 receives an
Advertisement and its associated Ad Data Code 0200, the Media
Device 0110 can associate the Existing Unique ID Code with the Ad
Data Code 0200. The present method can ensure that the Media Device
0110 can associate the Existing Unique ID Code with the Ad Data
Code 0200 only when Wireless Device 0120 is within range of the
Media Device 0110. Techniques for performing this step were
described above in reference to FIG. 48.
[0801] In step 5022, the Media Device 0110 can transmit the
associated Existing Unique ID Code and Ad Data Code 0200 to an
Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third Party
Server 0150. The association of the codes can enable Advertiser
System 0100 to conclude that the user of Wireless Device 0120 was
exposed to the Advertisement identified by its associated Ad Data
Code 0200.
[0802] In step 5024, the user of Wireless Device 0120 can visit any
type of Retailer, including, but not limited to: a physical
retailer, an online retailer, a retailer through making a phone
call, or a retailer through physically delivering, i.e., through
mail order, a purchase order.
[0803] In step 5026, the user of Wireless Device 0120 can transmit
the Existing Unique ID Code to any to any I-O Device of a Retailer.
In addition to the techniques described in reference to FIG. 48, an
user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or a Target Customer can transmit
to a Retailer an Existing Unique ID Code through the following
means, including, but not limited to: (1) the user of Wireless
Device 0120 and/or the Target Customer orally communicating the
Existing Unique ID Code to the person administering POS System
0130, who can transmit or input the code into POS System 0130;
and/or the user of Wireless Device 0120, Target Customer; (2) the
user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or the Target Customer orally
communicating the Existing Unique ID Code to a POS System 0130
which can convert speech to data; and/or (3) a person administering
POS System 0130 can input the code into POS System 0130 by scanning
the code into Code Reader 0132 and/or manually inputting the
Existing Unique ID Code into a Keyboard 0022 or any other input
device of the POS System 0130.
[0804] In step 5028, the Retailer can transmit the Existing Unique
ID Code from: (1) the Retailer device that receives the Existing
Unique ID Code from the Wireless Device 0120, e.g., POS System
0130; to (2) the Retailer server that contains a database of
transactions executed by the Retailer, e.g., Retailer Server
0140.
[0805] In step 5030, the Retailer can transmit the associated
Existing Unique ID Code and Specific Transaction Record to an
Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third Party
Server 0150. The association of the codes can enable Advertiser
System 0100 to conclude that the user of Wireless Device 0120 made
the specific transaction.
[0806] A Retailer can associate an Existing Unique ID Code with a
Specific Transaction Record though the following means, including,
but not limited to, for an Existing Unique ID Code that was issued
by the Retailer, e.g., a Shopper Loyalty ID Code, the Retailer can:
(a) transmit the code from: (i) an I-O Device of POS System 0130
receiving the code from the Wireless Device 0120, the user of
Wireless Device 0120, and/or the Target Customer; to (ii) a
Transaction Database 1452, a Customer Database 1454, or any other
database at POS System 0130 and/or Retailer Server 0140 enabling
the writing, storage, and/or reading/retrieval of a record for the
user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or the Target Customer; (b) search
for the record with an user ID that is equal to the Existing Unique
ID Code; (c) generate a Specific Transaction Record for the
transaction made by the user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or the
Target Customer; and/or (d) transmit the Specific Transaction
Record to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through
a Third Party Server 0150. For an Existing Unique ID Code issued by
the Retailer, it is unnecessary to utilize the means described in
Step 4830 to associate an Existing Unique ID Code with a Specific
Transaction Record, because the Retailer can recognize the Existing
Unique ID Code.
[0807] In an additional example, for an Existing Unique ID Code
that was not issued by the Retailer, e.g., a Check Unique ID Code,
the Retailer can: (a) transmit the code from: (i) an I-O Device of
POS System 0130 receiving the code from the Wireless Device 0120,
an user of Wireless Device 0120, and/or a Target Customer, e.g., a
check reader; to: (ii) a Transaction Database 1452, a Customer
Database 1454, or any other database at POS System 0130 and/or
Retailer Server 0140 enabling the writing, storage, and/or
reading/retrieval of a record for the user of Wireless Device 0120
and/or the Target Customer; (b) generate a Specific Transaction
Record for the transaction made by the user of Wireless Device 0120
and/or the Target Customer; and (c) associate the Existing Unique
ID Code with the Specific Transaction Record in a variety of means,
e.g., the methods described in Step 4830 for associating an Unique
WD Code with a Specific Transaction Record; and/or (d) transmit the
associated Existing Unique ID Code and Specific Transaction Record
to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third
Party Server 0150.
[0808] In step 5032, Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party
Server 0150 can utilize a computer program product with the same
functionality as URMS 0350 to call URMA Module 0744, which can: (1)
search through any file containing data on the Advertisements
viewed by an user with a given Existing Unique ID Code; (2) search
through any file containing data on the Products purchased by the
user, i.e., an user with the Existing Unique ID Code; (3) match any
data uniquely identifying the Product promoted in the Advertisement
with the Product promoted in any Advertisements viewed by the user,
e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN or name of Product; and/or (4) write any
matching data to Matching Event File 0742.
[0809] For example, an Advertiser System 0100 transmitting an
Advertisement promoting an automobile can measure if an user of
Wireless Device 0120 and/or a Target Customer responds to the
Advertisement as follows. The user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or a
Target Customer can input Check Unique ID Code into a Media Device
0110, which can then associate Check Unique ID Code with an Ad Data
Code 0200 which describes the Advertisement. The user of Wireless
Device 0120 and/or a Target Customer can write a check as a down
payment or for the entire purchase price of an automobile. An
automobile dealer selling the automobile to the user of Wireless
Device 0120 and/or the Target Customer can receive the check, input
the Check Unique ID Code manually or through a check reader into a
Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, or any other
database at POS System 0130 and/or Retailer Server 0140 enabling
the writing, storage, and/or reading/retrieval of a record of the
transaction, which can associate the Check Unique ID Code with a
Specific Transaction Record for the automobile purchased by the
user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or the Target Customer. The dealer
can transmit the associated Check Unique ID Code and Specific
Transaction Record to the user of Wireless Device 0120 in the form
of an electronic receipt, and/or the Advertiser System 0100
directly or indirectly through a Third Party Server 0150.
3. EXAMPLES
3.3.1 EXISTING UNIQUE ID CODE
[0810] FIG. 52 depicts a flowchart 5200 of an exemplary method of
enabling an Advertiser to track if an Advertisement delivered to a
Media Device 0110 results in a sale at a retailer, where the
retailer is the Advertiser or affiliated with the Advertiser,
according to embodiments of the present invention. Flowchart or
Method 5200 is described with continued reference to the system
illustrated in FIG. 51. However, flowchart 5200 is not limited to
that embodiment. The present invention can implement flowchart 5200
by executing a subset of the steps, executing the steps in
different order, and/or executing other or additional related or
equivalent steps.
[0811] In step 5210, an user can input an Existing Unique ID Code
into any Media Device 0110.
[0812] In step 5212, a Media Operator 0104 transmits or publishes
on any Media Device 0110 the Advertisement, which can include an Ad
Data Code 0200, in a media program and specifically in a media
location. In addition, in this step, an individual can view the
Advertisement.
[0813] In step 5214, the Media Device 0110 can associate the
Existing Unique ID Code stored in such Media Device 0110 with such
Ad Data Code 0200 utilizing one of the techniques described herein.
In another embodiment, the Media Device 0110 can transmit the
Existing Unique ID Code stored in the Media Device 0110 to
Advertiser System 0100, which can associate the Existing Unique ID
Code with a copy of the Ad Data Code 0200 transmitted to the Media
Device 0110.
[0814] In step 5216, the Media Device 0110 can transmit to
Advertiser System 0100 the associated Existing Unique ID Code and
Ad Data Code 0200.
[0815] In step 5218, Advertiser System 0100 can write to Customer
Database 1454 a new record the Existing Unique ID Code and Ad Data
Code 0200. In another embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can write
to another database ("Non-Customer Database") a new record that
includes values for the Existing Unique ID Code and such Ad Data
Code 0200.
[0816] In step 5220, an user can visit any Retailer. An user can
visit any Retailer through any means, including, but not limited
to: physically visiting a physical retailer; retrieving a web page
of an online Retailer through a network, e.g., the Internet;
communicating with a Retailer through a phone call, e.g., a
toll-free telephone number; and/or transmitting a purchase order
through a physical delivery system, e.g., mail-order.
[0817] In one embodiment, the Retailer can be Advertiser System
0100 or any entity with a Transaction Database 1452, Customer
Database 1454, and/or Other Database 4412 which Advertiser System
0100 can directly or indirectly access. That is, an Advertiser can
have its own Retail Channel with which an user can communicate
directly. The Retail Channel can include, but is not limited to: a
physical store whose Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database
1454, and/or Other Database 4412 such Advertiser System 0100 can
access through any means including, but not limited to, the
Advertiser owning, operating, franchising, and/or otherwise
controlling such physical store; an online store whose Transaction
Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or Other Database 4412
such Advertiser System 0100 can access; a means of purchasing a
Product from such Advertiser System 0100 through a phone call,
e.g., a toll-free telephone number, where such Advertiser System
0100 can access a Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database
1454, and/or Other Database 4412 storing data on any sales of such
Product; and/or a means of purchasing a Product from such
Advertiser System 0100 through a physical delivery system, e.g.,
mail-order, where such Advertiser can access a Transaction Database
1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or Other Database 4412 storing
data on any sales of such Product.
[0818] Examples of a Retailer being an Advertiser or any entity
with a Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or
Other Database 4412 such Advertiser System 0100 can access can
include the following examples.
[0819] For example, an Advertiser which is an automobile
manufacturer with a dealer network and/or a division or related
company that can finance the purchases of automobiles from such
manufacturer may be a retailer and Advertiser. In this example, the
automobile manufacturer and/or Advertiser System 0100 can access
the Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or Other
Database 4412 of the automobile dealer selling the manufacturer's
automobiles or the related company financing the purchase of the
manufacturer's automobiles.
[0820] In another example, an Advertiser which is an automobile
dealer may be a Retailer and Advertiser. In this example, the
Retailer/Advertiser and/or Advertiser System 0100 can access its
Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or Other
Database 4412, which can store data on any sales of an automobile
from such dealer.
[0821] In another example, an Advertiser which is a financial
institution may be a Retailer and Advertiser. In this example, the
financial institution and/or Advertiser System 0100 can access its
Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or Other
Database 4412 which can store data on any sales of a Product from
such financial institution.
[0822] In step 5222, an user can purchase a Product using any
payment method. The payment method can include any means of paying
for a Product, including, but not limited to: cash; a credit/debit
card; a check; a deduction from a cash balance stored in a Wireless
Device 0120; an addition of a charge to the bill of the subscriber
of a Wireless Device 0120; an electronic finds transfer; an
electronic form of payment, e.g., an online payment method; and/or
an agreement to incur debt, e.g., a home mortgage, an auto loan, or
a lease agreement. By utilizing any payment method, including means
other than those provided by a Wireless Device 0120, the present
method can enable an Advertiser to track if an Advertisement
delivered to any Media Device 0110 results in a sale in any
Retailer without requiring the use of such Wireless Device 0120 to
pay for a Product.
[0823] In step 5224, the Retailer can write to Transaction Database
1452 a new Specific Transaction Record 4920, which can include an
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and/or a description of the Product
purchased by such user. For example, an automobile dealer can write
to Transaction Database 1452 a new Specific Transaction Record
4920, which can include an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, e.g., a
Check Unique ID Code, and/or a description of an automobile
purchased by such user. In another embodiment, such Retailer can
write to an existing record for the user purchasing a Product in a
Customer Database 1454 one or more values, including, but not
limited to: an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, and/or an unique code
utilized by an Advertiser and/or Retailer to identify a Product,
e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN. For example, for an user who has previously
purchased an automobile from an automobile dealer, such dealer can
have an existing record for such user in a Customer Database 1454.
If such user purchases another automobile from such dealer, such
dealer can write to such existing record one or more values,
including, but not limited to: an Existing Unique ID Code 5110,
e.g., a Check Unique ID Code, and/or a description of the new
automobile purchased by such user.
[0824] In step 5226, Advertiser System 0100 can search through
Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or Other
Database 4412 for any records which have the same Existing Unique
ID Code during a time period of interest to Advertiser System 0100.
In particular, if an Advertiser System 0100 wants to measure if an
user purchased a Product promoted in an Advertisement transmitted
by Advertiser System 0100 during a time period,
YYYY/MM/DD/HH/SS.sub.1 to YYYY/MM/DD/HH/SS.sub.2, Advertiser System
0100 can search through Transaction Database 1452 for any Specific
Transaction Record or Customer Database 1454 for any existing
record with a date/time stamp for the purchase of a Product during
such time period which has the same Existing Unique ID Code as an
Existing Unique ID Code associated with an Ad Data Code 0200 with a
date/time stamp for the viewing of an Advertisement promoting such
Product during such time period.
[0825] In step 5228, Advertiser System 0100 can generate a list of
records with matching Existing Unique ID Codes as described in Step
5226. These matches can indicate that an user with an Existing
Unique ID Code who viewed an Advertisement promoting a Product
purchased such Product.
[0826] In step 5230, Advertiser System 0100 can limit the matches
to those purchases of such Product occurring after the transmission
of such Advertisement by filtering the list of records with
matching Existing Unique ID Codes to generate a list of records
where a Specific Transaction Record 4920 occurs after the
transmission of an Ad Data Code 0200.
[0827] In step 5232, Advertiser System 0100 can calculate the ROI
of an Advertisement promoting a Product by calculating a ratio in a
variety of means, including, but not limited to: (1) where: (a) the
numerator equals the sum of: (i) Specific Transaction Records 4920
which record a purchase of such Product during the time period of
interest; and (ii) existing records in Customer Database 1454 which
record a purchase of such Product during the time period of
interest; and (b) the denominator equals the sum of the number of
Ad Data Codes 0200 associated with such Advertisement transmitted
by Advertiser System 0100 during the time period of interest; (2)
where (a) the numerator equals the sum of: (i) Specific Transaction
Records 4920 which record a purchase of such Product during the
time period of interest; and (ii) existing records in Customer
Database 1454 which record a purchase of such Product during the
time period of interest; and (b) the denominator equals the sum of
the number of Ad Data Codes 0200 associated with such Advertisement
transmitted by Advertiser System 0100 to a given type of Media
Device 0110, Media Program, and/or Media Location during the time
period of interest.
3.3.2 TRANSMISSION OF VICINITY DATA TO STB
[0828] FIG. 53 depicts a flowchart 5300 of an exemplary method for
a Wireless Device 0120 having an Unique ID Code and/or Existing
Unique ID Code to transmit to a STB 0500 Wireless Device Vicinity
Data, according to embodiments of the present invention. As long as
STB 0500 is receiving WD Vicinity Data, an Advertiser can
reasonably conclude that the user of Wireless Device 0120 is
exposed to any Advertisement displayed by TV Display Device. The
present invention can implement flowchart 5200 by executing a
subset of the steps, executing the steps in different order, and/or
executing other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0829] In step 5310, an user of Wireless Device 0120 enters the
vicinity of STB 0500, i.e., the range within which the Wireless
Device 0120 can exchange data through one or more of its I-O
Devices with any I-O Device of STB 0500.
[0830] In step 5312, Wireless Device 0120 can transmit its Unique
WD Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code through a variety of means,
including, but not limited to: (1) utilizing any Short-Range
Antenna of the Wireless Device 0120 to transmit the signal to any
Short-Range Antenna of STB 0500; and/or (2) utilizing any Port 0326
of the Wireless Device 0120 to transmit the signal to any Port 0556
of STB 0500.
[0831] In step 5314, STB 0500 can store the Unique WD Code and/or
Existing Unique ID Code in Memory 0514.
[0832] In step 5316, STB 0500 can determine if Wireless Device 0120
remains within range of STB 0500 by utilizing the methods described
in Step 4820.
[0833] In step 5318, when STB 0500 receives an Advertisement and
its associated Ad Data Code 0200, STB 0500 can associate the Unique
WD Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code with the Ad Data Code 0200
by utilizing the methods described in Step 4822. In another
embodiment, STB 0500 can generate a date/time stamp for the Unique
WD Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code and transmit the Unique WD
Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code along with its date/time stamp
to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third
Party Server 0150, which can then compare the date/time stamp of
the Unique WED Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code with a database
of date/time stamps of any Advertisements transmitted by Advertiser
System 0100.
[0834] In step 5320, STB 0500 can transmit the associated Unique WD
Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code and Ad Data Code 0200 to an
Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through a Third Party
Server 0150.
[0835] In an embodiment of flowchart 5300, an user of Wireless
Device 0120 can utilize Wireless Device 0120 to control certain
functions of STB 0500 ("WD Remote Control Device") by utilizing
methods any method readily apparent to any person with ordinary
skill in the art. The device can perform a variety of functions,
including, but not limited to: turning on or off TV Display Device
and/or changing the channel of STB 0500. For example, when an user
of Wireless Device 0120 utilizes the device to change the channel
of STB 0500, Wireless Device 0120 can transmit to STB 0500 its
Unique WED Code, Existing Unique ID Code, and/or WD Vicinity Data,
which indicates to Advertiser System 0100 that Wireless Device 0120
remains within range of STB 0500 and that the user of Wireless
Device 0120 is exposed to any Advertisement displayed on the TV
Display Device. In addition, if an user of Wireless Device 0120
utilizes the device to mute the audio volume of STB 0500, an
Advertiser System 0100 can reasonably assume that, although the
Wireless Device 0120 may be in the vicinity of the TV Display
Device, the user of Wireless Device 0120 is probably not viewing
and evidently is not hearing an Advertisement. In the present
embodiment, a computer program product in Wireless Device 0120 that
controls certain functions of STB 0500 can at the time the user of
WD Remote Control Device mutes the audio volume modify WD Vicinity
Data to indicate that although the WD Remote Control Device is in
the vicinity of the TV Display Device, the user of the device is
not hearing an Advertisement. At the time the user of WD Remote
Control Device turns off the mute function, the computer program
product can modify WD Vicinity Data to indicate that the user can
hear an Advertisement.
[0836] In another embodiment of the present invention, an
Advertiser System 0100 can determine if a Wireless Device 0120, an
user of Wireless Device 0120, an user of Television 0304, and/or a
Target Customer is exposed to any Advertisement displayed on the TV
Display Device by associating an Unique WD Code and/or Existing
Unique ID Code with data residing on a source or retransmission
point, e.g., a headend in a cable television system, and/or on STB
0500 that is generated and/or collected by a Television Operator or
a Third Party collecting the data on behalf of the Television
Operator ("TV Operator Viewing Data"). For example, cable operators
can measure and record which channels any given STB 0500 is
transmitting at any given time. The present invention can enable an
Advertiser System 0100 and/or Television Operator to determine: (1)
if a Wireless Device 0120 and/or an user of Wireless Device 0120 is
exposed to any Advertisement displayed on the TV Display Device;
and (2) if the Wireless Device 0120 and/or the user of Wireless
Device 0120 responds to an Advertisement displayed on the TV
Display Device. The present invention can enable the association of
an Unique WD Code and/or Existing Unique ID Code with TV Operator
Viewing Data by utilizing the systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or
computer program products described throughout the present
application.
3.3.3 ASSOCIATION OF UNIQUE CODE WITH PAYMENT INFORMATION
[0837] FIG. 54 depicts a flowchart 5400 of a method for associating
an unique code with payment information, according to embodiments
of the present invention. Flowchart 5400 is described with
continued reference to the systems of FIGS. 14, 44, 49, and 51.
However, flowchart 5400 is not limited to those embodiments. The
present invention can implement flowchart 5400 by executing a
subset of the steps, executing the steps in different order, and/or
executing other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0838] At Step 5410, Control Unit 1442 or any other device in
Retailer Server 0140 can generate Payment Receipt 1900, in
particular, and/or Specific Transaction Record, in general, from
data in one or more databases, including, but not limited to: PLU
Database 1450, Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454,
and/or Other Database 4412.
[0839] At Step 5412, Wireless Device 0120 can transmit any Unique
WD Code 4910, Existing Unique ID Code 5110, Ad Data Code 0200,
and/or Ad Data File 0734 to Code Reader 0132, Payment Device 0134,
and/or any other I-O Device of POS System 0130, which can transmit
Unique WD Code 4910, Existing Unique ID Code 5110, Ad Data Code
0200 and/or Ad Data File 0734 to RURS 1460 and/or Control Unit
1442.
[0840] At Step 5414, Control Unit 1410, Control Unit 1442, and/or
any other device in Retailer Server 0140 can transmit Specific
Transaction Record to RURS 1460, which can transmit Specific
Transaction Record, Unique WD Code 4910, Existing Unique ID Code
5110, Ad Data Code 0200, and/or Ad Data File 0734 through Network
1470 to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through Third
Party Server 0150. In another embodiment, the present method can
modify and/or add functionality to Control Unit 1410 and/or Control
Unit 1442 to enable such Unit(s) to transmit Specific Transaction
Record, Unique WD Code 4910, Existing Unique ID Code 5110, Ad Data
Code 0200, and/or Ad Data File 0734 through Network 1470 to
Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through Third Party
Server 0150. In another embodiment, RURS 1460 can execute one or
more instructions, including, but not limited to: (1) search
through Specific Transaction Record, Transaction Database 1452,
Customer Database 1454, Other Database 4412, or any other database
at POS System 0130, Retailer Server 0140, and/or any other server
containing such data for the unique code, e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN,
identifying any Product purchased by user of Wireless Device 0120;
(2) search through any Ad Data Code 0200 and/or Ad Data File 0734
received from Wireless Device 0120 for such unique code of any
Product purchased by user of Wireless Device 0120; (3) match data,
e.g., UPC/EAN/GTIN or name of Product, in any file containing data
on the Advertisements viewed by such user and any file containing
data on the Products purchased by such user; (4) write any matching
data to Matching Event File 0742; and/or (5) transmit Matching
Event File 0742 to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly
through Third Party Server 0150. In another embodiment, the present
method can modify and/or add functionality to Control Unit 1410
and/or Control Unit 1442 to enable such Unit(s) to associate the
Unique WD Code 4910 and/or the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 of
Wireless Device 0120, the user of Wireless Device 0120, and/or the
Target Customer with the Specific Transaction Record. Control Unit
1410 and/or Control Unit 1442 can then transmit the associated
Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and
Specific Transaction Record to Advertiser System 0100 directly or
indirectly through Third Party Server 0150.
[0841] At Step 5416, Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party
Server 0150 can search through Specific Transaction Record, Ad Data
Code 0200, and/or Ad Data File 0734 to find matches between any
Product purchased and any Product promoted in an Advertisement
viewed by user of Wireless Device 0120.
3.3.4 ELECTRONIC COUPON REDEMPTION
[0842] In another embodiment, the present invention can enable a
Retailer to transmit data to an Advertiser indicating an user of
Wireless Device 0120 purchased a Product promoted in an
Advertisement by redeeming Ad Data Code 0200, wherein such Code
includes a Response Incentive, e.g., a coupon. While an Advertiser
can calculate the ROI of a given coupon by measuring the number of
coupons redeemed, the numerator of ROI, and the number of coupons
distributed, the denominator of ROI, an Advertiser typically cannot
calculate the ROI for any given Media Device 0110, Media Program,
Media Location, and/or Media Operator 0104. For example, existing
technology does not permit an Advertiser to distribute a coupon to
a Television or Radio. Also, an Advertiser cannot easily calculate
the ROI for a coupon in physical form distributed through a given
Media Program, Media Location, and/or Media Operator 0104.
[0843] Existing POS software applications can enable a Retailer to
redeem a coupon in either physical form or electronic form by
utilizing methods well known to those with ordinary skill in the
art. For an electronic coupon, POS System 0130 can process coupon
redemption and typically transmit coupon redemption data, either
individual transactions or summary of transactions, to an
electronic clearing house (ECH) through Network 1470.
[0844] FIG. 55 depicts a flowchart of a method for redeeming an
electronic coupon to enable the ROI calculation for a given
Advertisement, according to embodiments of the invention. Note that
the method depicted in FIG. 55 can be used with embodiments of the
unique codes described in Section 3 or embodiments described in
Section 2.
[0845] At Step 5510, POS System 0130 can transmit to an ECH through
Network 1470 electronic coupon redemption (ECR) data for each
individual transaction, which can include at least the following
data: the unique code identifying the Product purchased, e.g., a
UPC coupon code, and data uniquely identifying the Advertisement
promoting such Product.
[0846] At Step 5512, ECH can transmit through Network 1470 such ECR
data to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through Third
Party Server 0150. In another embodiment, POS System 0130 in Step
5510 can transmit such ECR data to Advertiser System 0100 directly
or indirectly through Third Party Server 0150.
[0847] At Step 5514, Advertiser System 0100 or Third Party Server
0150 can search through such ECR data for those transactions
involving one or more Products promoted in an Advertisement
transmitted by Advertiser System 0100, which transactions it can
identify by matching: (1) the unique code identifying the Product
purchased, e.g., a UPC coupon code, in any record of ECR data with
(2) the unique code identifying the Product purchased, e.g., a UPC
coupon code, in Advertiser System 0100 database of Advertisements
transmitted.
3.3.5 ELECTRONIC RECEIPT CAPTURE AND/OR RETRIEVAL
[0848] In another embodiment, the present invention can enable a
Retailer and/or a Third Party that operates an electronic receipt
capture and/or retrieval (ERCR) system on behalf of any Retailer to
transmit Payment Receipt 1900 to an Advertiser System 0100 directly
or indirectly through Third Party Server 0150. Said ERCR operators
can perform one or more functions, including, but not limited to:
generating an electronic receipt, e.g., Payment Receipt 1900, at
POS System 0130, transmitting such electronic receipt to a server
located at or off the premises of any given Retailer, storing such
electronic receipt, and/or enabling the retrieval of such
electronic receipt. A Retailer can operate its own ERCR system,
which can perform the same functions as those of such ERCR
operators.
[0849] FIG. 56 depicts a flowchart 5600 of a method for electronic
receipt capture and/or retrieval, according to embodiments of the
present invention. Note that the method depicted in FIG. 56 can be
used with embodiments of the unique codes described in Section 3 or
embodiments described in Section 2.
[0850] At Step 5610, Control Unit 1442 or any other device in
Retailer Server 0140 can generate Payment Receipt 1900 from data in
one or more databases, including, but not limited to, PLU Database
1450, Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or
Other Database 4412.
[0851] At Step 5612, Wireless Device 0120.can transmit any Unique
WD Code 4910, Existing Unique ID Code 5110, Ad Data Code 0200,
and/or Ad Data File 0734 to Code Reader 0132 and/or Payment Device
0134, either of which can transmit such Unique WD Code 4910,
Existing Unique ID Code 5110, Ad Data Code 0200, and/or Ad Data
File 0734 to RURS 1460 and/or Control Unit 1442.
[0852] At Step 5614, Control Unit 1442 or any other device in
Retailer Server 0140 can transmit Payment Receipt 1900 to ERCR
operator, which can transmit Payment Receipt 1900 through Network
1470 to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through Third
Party Server 0150. In another embodiment, the present method can
modify and/or add functionality to Control Unit 1442 to enable such
Unit to transmit Payment Receipt 1900, Unique WD Code 4910,
Existing Unique ID Code 5110, Ad Data Code 0200, and/or Ad Data
File 0734 through Network 1470 to ERCR operator, which can transmit
such data to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through
Third Party Server 0150. In another embodiment, Control Unit 1442
or any other device in Retailer Server 0140 of a Retailer which
operates its own ERCR system can transmit Payment Receipt 1900,
Unique WD Code 4910, Existing Unique ID Code 5110, Ad Data Code
0200, and/or Ad Data File 0734 to its ERCR server, which can
transmit such data to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly
through Third Party Server 0150.
[0853] In all of the present embodiments of Method 5600, the
present invention can before or after transmission to ERCR operator
associate the Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code
5110 with Payment Receipt 1900 through a variety of means,
including, but not limited to: writing Unique WD Code 4910 and/or
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 into a field in Payment Receipt 1900
and transmitting to Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly
through Third Party Server 0150; and/or appending Unique WD Code
4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 with Payment Receipt 1900
and transmitting the combined file to Advertiser System 0100
directly or indirectly through Third Party Server 0150.
[0854] At Step 5616, Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party
Server 0150 can search through Payment Receipt 1900, Unique WD Code
4910, Existing Unique ID Code 5110, Ad Data Code 0200, and/or Ad
Data File 0734 to find matches between any Product purchased and
any Product promoted in an Advertisement viewed by user of Wireless
Device 0120.
[0855] In another embodiment, the present invention can enable a
Retailer and/or a Third Party that operates an ERCR system to
transmit Payment Receipt 1900 directly to Wireless Device 0120, the
user of Wireless Device 0120, the user of any Media Device 0110,
and/or the Target Customer. Many consumers complain about the
difficulty of collecting, organizing, and searching through
paper-based receipts. It would be easier for consumers to collect,
organize, and search through electronic receipts. It could cost a
Retailer less money to print paper-based receipts, if more
consumers are willing to receive only electronic receipts. Because
many large Retailers already utilize ERCR systems, they have
already incurred the costs of utilizing such systems. The only
significant incremental cost for Retailers and/or ERCR operators to
enable the present embodiment is to transmit Payment Receipt 1900
through wired, wireless, and/or a combination of wired and wireless
networks to Wireless Device 0120, the user of Wireless Device 0120,
the user of any Media Device 0110, and/or the Target Customer.
[0856] In the present embodiment, the present invention can utilize
the same steps as Method 5600 except at Step 5614, ERCR Operator
and/or Control Unit 1442 or any other device in Retailer Server
0140 of a Retailer which operates its own ERCR system can transmit
Payment Receipt 1900, Unique WD Code 4910, Existing Unique ID Code
5110, Ad Data Code 0200, and/or Ad Data File 0734 directly to a
Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device 0110, and/or the Target
Customer.
3.3.6 SHOPPER LOYALTY
[0857] In another embodiment, the present invention can enable a
Retailer and/or a Third Party that operates a system that collects
and/or maintains shopper loyalty program data on behalf of such
Retailer ("Third Party SLP Operator") to transmit transaction data
for a given user of Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target Customer to
an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly through Third
Party Server 0150. A Retailer and/or Third Party SLP Operator can
collect, maintain, and/or analyze data on a shopper loyalty program
in a variety of databases, including, but not limited to:
Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454, and/or Other
Database 4412. A Retailer and/or Third Party SLP Operator can
transmit to an Advertiser System 0100 directly or indirectly
through Third Party Server 0150 data from such databases,
including, but not limited to: the name of an user of Wireless
Device 0120, an user of any Media Device 0110, and/or Target
Customer; the Existing Unique ID Code 5110, which in the present
embodiment is the Shopper Loyalty ID Code, and the unique code of
the Product(s), e.g., the UPC/EAN/GTIN, purchased by such user of
Wireless Device 0120, user of any Media Device 0110, and/or Target
Customer.
[0858] If a Retailer prefers to maintain the privacy of the user of
Wireless Device 0120 and/or Target Customer and the transactions
made by such user and/or consumer, the present invention can enable
a Retailer to transmit the Shopper Loyalty ID Code and any data in
the Specific Transaction Record which excludes any personally
identifiable information. In another embodiment, the present
invention can enable a Retailer and/or a Third Party SLP Operator
to transmit the Shopper Loyalty ID Code and any data in the
Specific Transaction Record for a given user of Wireless Device
0120 and/or Target Customer directly to Wireless Device 0120, the
user of Wireless Device 0120, any Media Device 0110, the user of
any Media Device 0110, and/or the Target Customer.
3.4 SUMMARY
[0859] The methods and systems can utilize a variety of means to
identify an unique Wireless Device 0120, an user of Wireless Device
0120, an unique Media Device 0110, an user of any Media Device
0110, and/or a Target Customer and measuring if such Wireless
Device 0120, user of Wireless Device 0120, and/or Target Customer
viewed an Advertisement on any Media Device 0110 and responded to
such Advertisement in any Retail Channel. The following table
summarizes the type of data utilized by the present invention and
the device on which such data is located. TABLE-US-00001 Location
before Advertiser and/or Third Party utilizes data Type of Data
File/Data to calculate ROI Data uniquely describing an Ad Data Code
0200 Advertiser System 0100 Advertisement Media Device 0110
Wireless Device 0120 POS System 0130 Retailer Server 0140 Data
uniquely identifying a Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Media Device 0110
Wireless Device 0120, an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 Wireless
Device 0120 user of Wireless Device POS System 0130 0120, a Media
Device 0110, Retailer Server 0140 an user of Media Device 0110,
and/or a Target Customer Data uniquely identifying a Specific
Transaction Record, Advertiser System 0100 purchase made by a
Wireless which can include Payment Database Server 4410 Device
0120, an user of Receipt 1900 Wireless Device 0120 Wireless Device
0120, a Existing record in Customer Media Device 0110 Media Device
0110, an user Database POS System 0130 of Media Device 0110,
Retailer Server 0140 and/or a Target Customer
[0860] The methods and systems can utilize a different Unique WD
Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 at a Media Device
0110 and/or a Retailer. That is, the systems, methods, apparatuses,
and computer program products in the present invention can still
identify a unique Wireless Device 0120, an user of Wireless Device
0120, and/or a Target Customer as the device and/or consumer which
views an Advertisement and responds to such Advertisement without
utilizing the same Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 at both such Media Device 0110 and/or such Retailer. As
long as there exist a table associating the different Unique WD
Code(s) 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code(s) 5110 and an
Advertiser System 0100 and/or Third Party Server 0150 can access
such table, the present invention can enable the utilization of
different codes at any Media Device 0110 and/or Retailer. Said
table can be located on any device, including, but not limited to:
Advertiser System 0100, Third Party Server 0150, any Media Device
0110, a Wireless Device 0120, a POS System 0130, and/or a Retailer
Server 0140.
[0861] For example, an user of Wireless Device 0120 can input a
Check Unique ID Code into a first Media Device 0110, e.g., a
Personal Computer 0308, Wireless Device 0120 can transmit an Unique
WD Code into a second Media Device 0110, e.g., a Television 0304,
and an user of Wireless Device 0120 can input a Shopper Loyalty ID
Code into a POS System 0130. The present invention can still track
if such unique user of Wireless Device 0120 viewed a first
Advertisement on Personal Computer 0308, viewed a second
Advertisement on Television 0304, and purchased a Product promoted
in both the first Advertisement and second Advertisement at a
Retailer with POS System 0130. By associating such Check Unique ID
Code, such Unique WD Code, and such Shopper Loyalty ID Code in the
above table, an Advertiser System 0100 or Third Party Server 0150
can identify Wireless Device 0120 as the unique device viewing such
Advertisements and purchasing such Product.
4.0 DYNAMIC PRODUCTION OF ADVERTISEMENTS
[0862] Dynamic Advertising Production Method (DAPM) utilizes static
and/or dynamic information about an user and/or feedback from the
user to produce dynamically a unique Advertisement for the user or
comparable users. The DAPM utilizes data collected by the MMCMS
and/or URMS to help produce dynamically a unique Advertisement for
the user or comparable users through the media channels.
[0863] The DAPM system and method enables an Advertiser to transmit
an Initial Advertisement to users in a sample group and a Final
Advertisement to each unique user. An Initial Advertisement is an
Advertisement that is a combination of Advertisement elements
selected by an Advertiser that reflects the static and dynamic
information about an user. A Final Advertisement is an
Advertisement that is a combination of Advertisement elements
selected by an Advertiser that references the unique Static
Information and Dynamic Information about an user and Feedback
Information from the user or comparable users.
[0864] In another embodiment, the present system enables Advertiser
System 0100 to transmit any number of versions of unique
Advertisements to users in a sample group to gain the benefit of
generating additional Feedback Information from users in a sample
group. While additional Feedback Information would increase the
probability of an Advertiser producing an Advertisement that can
generate a desired response, the incremental benefit from each
subsequent version of an Initial Advertisement will probably
decline.
4.1 ARCHITECTURE
[0865] FIG. 57 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary system 5700
for producing dynamic advertising, according to embodiments of the
present invention. System 5700 may include an Advertiser System
0100, Ad Element Database 5720, Wireless Operator Server 5740, and
one or more Wireless Devices. As would be appreciated by a person
with ordinary skill in the art, system 5700 may include additional
elements not depicted in FIG. 57.
[0866] The DAPM can be administered by a variety of entities,
including, but not limited to: a company providing access to the
Internet or some other wide area network through a wireless
connection, e.g., a wireless operator; a company providing access
to the Internet or some other wide area network through a wired
connection, e.g., an Internet service provider, a cable system
operator, or a digital subscriber line operator; or a third-party
that owns or leases the collection of hardware and software
described in FIG. 57 and owns or leases wired and/or wireless
connections to users and Advertisers.
[0867] Advertiser System 0100 is one or more Data Processing
Systems configured to receive, store, and/or transmit one or more
elements such as elements 5710, 5712, 5714, and 5716, constituting
an Advertisement to Ad Element Database 5720. One or more
Advertisers can operate Advertiser System 0100. In one embodiment,
Advertiser System 0100 can be one or more Data Processing Systems
having the capability to perform the functions described in
Sections 2 and 3, as well as the functions described in Section 4.
In another embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can be one or more
Data Processing Systems having the capability to perform the
functions described in Sections 2 and 3 and Advertiser System 0100
can be a separate set of one or more Data Processing Systems having
the capability to perform the functions described in Section 4.
[0868] Element 1 5710, Element 2 5712, Element 3 5714, and Element
n 5716 are different components of an Advertisement that can
promote a different feature of the Product, brand, and/or vendor
advertised ("Element"). These Elements can include, but are not
limited to, the Elements listed in Table 5800 in FIG. 58. Each
Element can have different versions, i.e., different values or
variations of the same Element ("Version"). For example, Element 1
5710 can promote price and Element 2 5712 can be a celebrity
endorser of the Product advertised. Element 1 5710 can have several
Versions, including a first Version that offers the Product at
price P.sub.1 and a second Version that offers the Product at price
P.sub.2. Element 2 5712 can have several Versions, including a
first Version that utilizes Celebrity.sub.1 to endorse the Product
advertised and a second Version that utilizes Celebrity.sub.2 to
endorse the Product advertised. In another embodiment, an Element
can be different Products, brands, and/or vendors of which an
Advertiser wishes to test the effectiveness. For example, Element 1
5710 can promote different Products, where a first Version can
offer Product.sub.1 and a second Version can offer
Product.sub.2.
[0869] To enable the DAPM to measure how an user responds to
Advertisements with different Elements and Versions of Elements,
the present invention includes a method for coding the Elements and
Versions. In the preferred embodiment, most or all Advertisers,
either individually, through a formal group like an industry
association, through an informal group, or through advertising
agencies, can agree upon a standard set of codes identifying
Elements and Versions. Table 5800 in FIG. 58 depicts one example of
codes identifying Elements. Each Element can be assigned a unique
code. In any Advertisement transmitted to Wireless Device 0120, an
Advertiser can include in the field "Ad Elements" in Table 1000 a
value corresponding to the code assigned to a given Element. For
example, the Element focusing on celebrity endorsers can be
assigned a code=08. Thus, the Advertiser transmitting any
Advertisement that includes a celebrity endorser can include the
code, 08, in the Ad Element field in Table 1000.
[0870] Table 1000 can include a field for "Element Version" to
enable an Advertiser to include a value corresponding to the code
assigned to a given Version of an Element. Each Version can be
assigned a unique code. In any Advertisement transmitted to
Wireless Device 0120, Advertiser System 0100 can include in the
field "Element Version" a value corresponding to the code assigned
to a given Version. For example, for the Element focusing on
celebrity endorsers, Celebrity A can be assigned a code=01,
Celebrity B can be assigned a code=02, Celebrity C can be assigned
a code=03, etc. Thus, an Advertiser transmitting any Advertisement
that includes Celebrity C can include the code, 03, in the Element
Version field in Table 1000.
[0871] In another embodiment, each Advertiser could assign its own
code for each different Element and Version. To enable URMS 0350 to
identify the Element and Version, the Advertiser could supply each
Wireless Device 0120 a table associating its codes with the codes
of other Advertisers utilizing Elements and Versions in their
Advertisements.
[0872] Ad Element Database is configured to perform a variety of
functions, including, but not limited to, storing Element 1 5710,
Element 2, 5712, Element 3 5714, and Element n 5716, applying
algorithms to select a combination of Elements that constitute an
Advertisement; and/or transmitting to Wireless Operator Server 5740
Initial Advertisement 5742, Initial Advertisement 5744, Final
Advertisement 1 5770, Final Advertisement 2 5772, Final
Advertisement 3 5774, and Final Advertisement 4 5776. Ad Element
Database 5720 can be administered by any entity, including, but not
limited to an Advertiser, a wireless operator, and/or a Third
Party. Ad Element Database 5720 receives Elements 1-n from
Advertiser System 0100 and Feedback Information 5760, Dynamic
Information 5732, and Static Information 5730 from one or more
Wireless Devices.
[0873] Wireless Operator Server 5740 is one or more Data Processing
Systems configured to perform a variety of functions, including,
but not limited to: storing Element 1 5710, Element 2, 5712,
Element 3 5714, and Element n 5716; applying algorithms to select a
combination of Elements that constitute an Advertisement; receiving
from Ad Element Database 5720 the Elements; receiving from Ad
Element Database 5720 Initial Advertisement 5742, Initial
Advertisement 5744, Final Advertisement 1 5770, Final Advertisement
2 5772, Final Advertisement 3 5774, and Final Advertisement 4 5776;
transmitting Initial Advertisement 1 5742, Initial Advertisement n
5744, and any other versions of Initial Advertisement to Wireless
Device 5750, Wireless Device 5752, Wireless Device 5754, and
Wireless Device 5756; and/or transmitting Final Advertisement 1
5770, Final Advertisement 2 5772, Final Advertisement 3 5774, and
Final Advertisement 4 5776 to Wireless Device 5780, Wireless Device
5782, Wireless Device 5784, and Wireless Device 5786, respectively.
Wireless Operator Server 5740 can be administered by a wireless
operator, an Advertiser, and/or a Third Party.
[0874] n another embodiment, an Advertiser System 0100 and/or a
Third Party Server 0150 can perform one or more of the functions of
Wireless Operator Server 5740. If a Wireless Device 0120 can
transmit and/or receive data through a network, e.g., the Internet,
an Advertiser System 0100 and/or a Third Party Server 0150 can
transmit one or more Initial Advertisements directly to Wireless
Devices 5750-5756, transmit one or more Final Advertisements
directly to Wireless Devices 5780-5786, receive Static Info 5730
directly from such Wireless Devices, and/or receive Dynamic Info
5732 directly from such Wireless Devices.
[0875] In one embodiment, the DAPM system can utilize Static
Information, Dynamic Information, and Feedback Information to
produce an Advertisement for transmission to each user of a
Wireless Device.
[0876] In another embodiment, the DAPM can utilize just the Static
Information of a given user of a Wireless Device to produce an
Advertisement for transmission to the user. For example, for
certain Products aimed at one gender or one age group, knowing just
the gender or age of the user can increase the probability that an
Advertisement transmitted to users of the gender or age group will
generate a desired user response.
[0877] In another embodiment, the DAPM can utilize just the Dynamic
Information of a given user of a Wireless Device to produce an
Advertisement for transmission to the user. In another embodiment,
the DAPM can utilize just the Feedback Information to an Initial
Advertisement of a given user of a Wireless Device to produce
another version of an Advertisement for transmission to the
user.
[0878] In another embodiment, the DAPM can utilize just the Static
Information and Dynamic Information of a given user of a Wireless
Device to produce an Advertisement for transmission to the user. In
another embodiment, the DAPM can utilize the Static Information of
a given user and Feedback Information from the user to produce an
Advertisement for transmission to the user. In another embodiment,
the DAPM can utilize the Dynamic Information of a given user and
Feedback Information from the user to produce an Advertisement for
transmission to the user. The present application describes in
further detail below Static Information, Dynamic Information, and
Feedback Information.
[0879] The historical user advertisement preference (HUAP) Database
can include data recording the responsiveness of a given user to
and preferences of the user for different Advertisements, Elements,
combinations of Elements, and Versions of Elements. These
preferences can include preferences of a given user for different
Versions of a given Element. FIG. 59 shows an embodiment of a table
of how a given user responds to different Versions of a single
Element, in this case, different celebrity endorsers. As discussed
earlier, Table 5900 shows an example of which celebrity endorser
appears to generate the most desired response from a given user. In
this example, an Advertiser reviewing this data can reasonably
conclude that an Advertisement to the user utilizing Endorser B,
instead of Endorser A or Endorser C, will generate a more desirable
response.
[0880] The DAPM can generate the data in Table 5900 in a variety of
ways, including, but not limited to, the following means: (a) DAPM
can create Table 5900 listing Variables 1-n number of columns
listing all the different Versions of celebrity endorsers found in
a search of Ad Data File 0734 in Wireless Device 0120; (b) DAPM
searches through Ad Data File 0734 in Wireless Device 0120 to find
any Advertisements with an Element focusing on celebrity endorsers;
in this example, the Element has a code of "08"; (c) DAPM reads the
number of all Advertisements with Element=08 and assigns the number
of Advertisements with each Version to the appropriate Version
column; in this example, a given user could receive 10
Advertisements with Celebrity Endorser A, 9 Advertisements with
Celebrity Endorser B, and 14 Advertisements with Celebrity Endorser
C; and (d) for the Advertisements, DAPM reads the user responses in
Ad Response File 0738 and assigns their respective values to the
fields for each of Variables 1-n.
[0881] The data in Table 5900 can be one data item that is included
in Static Information 5730 or Static Information 6930 for
incorporation or insertion into the production of an Initial
Advertisement or Final Advertisement.
[0882] The preferences may also include preferences of a given user
for different Elements. FIG. 58 depicts an embodiment of a table of
which Elements appear to generate the most desired response from a
given user. In this example, Column 2 describes each Element,
Column 3 lists the weight that a given user through his or her
responses to Advertisements has implicitly attached to the Element,
and Columns 4, 5, and 6 represent the order of preference a given
user has for variations of the Element.
[0883] The DAPM can generate the data in Table 5800 in a variety of
ways. For example, the DAPM can create Table 5800 listing in Column
1 all Elements found through a search of Ad Data File 0734 in
Wireless Device 5780. In addition or alternatively, the DAPM
creates Column 2, which describes in text form the Element
associated with each code identifying a given Element.
[0884] In addition or alternatively, the DAPM creates Column 3,
which assigns the weight associated with each Element as determined
in a variety of means, including, but not limited to, the following
method. DAPM searches through Ad Data File 0734 for all
Advertisements associated with a given Element; (ii) URMA Module
0744 searches through Ad Response File 0738 and/or Payment Data
File 0740 to generate an average User Response Score for the
Advertisements; (iii) URMA Module 0744 generates an average ROI for
the Advertisements; (iii) DAPM follows the same process for
generating an average ROI for other Elements; (iv) DAPM ranks all
Elements in terms of their associated ROI; and/or (v) DAPM ascribes
a weight in proportion to the difference in ROI among the different
Elements. For example, if Advertisements with Element 03 in Table
5800 generate an average User Response Score of 10 and
Advertisements with Element 02 generate an average User Response
Score of 5, DAPM would ascribe a weight for Element 03 twice as
high as the weight for Element 02.
[0885] In addition or alternatively, the DAPM creates Column 4
through n, which lists the preferences of a given user for a
specific Version for each Element. For example, for the field Ad
Element 08, which focuses on celebrity endorsers, the DAPM can list
which celebrity endorsers ranked most highly in the responses by
user.
[0886] The data in Table 5800 can be one data item that is included
in Static Information 5730 or Static Information 6930 for
incorporation or insertion into the production of an Initial
Advertisement or Final Advertisement.
[0887] In one embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can use the data
in HUAP Database as Static Information for producing an
Advertisement through the DAPM. In another embodiment, Advertiser
System 0100 can use the data in HUAP Database as information to use
in producing an Advertisement without using the DAPM. For example,
an Advertiser can subscribe to a service providing access to the
data in HUAP Database for producing Advertisements that do not
utilize the DAPM.
[0888] In a further embodiment, an Advertiser can use the static
and/or dynamic information to convert a generic Ad Data Code 0200
into a specific Ad Data Code 0200 which reflects the unique
characteristics of the user of the Wireless Device 0120. FIG. 60
depicts an exemplary process for converting a generic Ad Data Code
0200 into an user specific Ad Data Code 6000, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
4.1.1 STATIC INFORMATION
[0889] Static Information 5730 is the Static Information associated
with a Wireless Device 0120, such as Wireless Device 5750. Static
Information includes any type of information related to an user's
ability and willingness to receive, view, hear, and/or interpret an
Advertisement that does not change over a time period shorter than
the duration of the transmission of an Advertisement. Each user
with a Wireless Device has his/her unique Static Information.
Static Information can be information related to an user's ability
and willingness to receive, view, hear, and/or interpret an
Advertisement that does not change over a time period shorter than
the duration of the transmission of an Advertisement. Static
Information may include demographic information about an user,
personal information about an user, information about the Wireless
Device, and/or information about the preferences of the user
regarding Advertisements.
[0890] Static Information may include demographic information about
an user. Demographic information may include, among other
information, gender, age, income, education, occupation, marital
status, children, home ownership, and/or other types of demographic
characteristics. For example, if an Advertiser knew that an user is
a female, the Advertiser might transmit an Advertisement promoting
Products used by women. In another example, an Advertiser knew that
an user owned a home, it might transmit an Advertisement promoting
home improvement Products.
[0891] Static Information may also include personal information
about an user provided by the user and/or obtained from third-party
sources. The personal information may include, among other types of
information, language (data which Advertiser System 0100 could use
to determine which language an Advertisement to the user should
utilize), height, weight, body measurements (which can be utilized
by vendors, including, but not limited to, apparel vendors), hair
color, and skin complexion, other personal characteristics, and/or
psychographic characteristics (e.g., premium on convenience).
[0892] Personal information may also include Product preferences.
The HUPP Database can include data on the Product preferences of
the user. Advertiser System 0100, URMS 0350, or a Third Party
Server 0150 can search through the database to determine what type
of Products the user likes and/or does not like. HUPP Database can
include data read and/or stored by Payment Code Module 0730 from
payment systems, tickets, and content/applications utilized,
purchased, downloaded, or accessed by Wireless Device 0120
user.
[0893] Personal information may also include dietary preferences.
The HUPP Database can include data on the dietary preferences of
the user. Advertiser System 0100, URMS 0350, or a Third Party
Server 0150 can search through the database or other information
provided by the user to determine what type of food the user likes
and/or does not like. An Advertiser, including, but not limited to,
vendors of food Products, retailers of food Products, and/or
restaurants, would value such data, because it can help determine
whether they transmit an Advertisement of a food Product to the
user. For example, if an Advertiser knew that an user is a
vegetarian, vendors of meat Products, retailers that sell meat
Products, and/or restaurants that serve meat Products, can decide
not to transmit an Advertisement promoting their meat Products.
[0894] Personal information may also include past user purchase of
Product advertised. Advertiser System 0100, URMS 0350, or a Third
Party Server 0150 can search through the HUPP database to determine
whether the user had purchased the Product advertised. An
Advertiser should value such information because it could produce
one Advertisement to an user who has not tried its Product and
another Advertisement to an user who is already a regular customer
of its Product. For example, a new user might be more receptive to
an Advertisement that focused on the benefits of the Product, while
an existing user might already be convinced about the Product
benefits and be more receptive to an Advertisement that focused on
the price or location of where the user can buy the Product.
[0895] Static Information may include information about Wireless
Device that could affect downloading and viewing of an
Advertisement. This information may include the Wireless Device
screen size, Wireless Device screen resolution (in dpi), Wireless
Device sound capabilities (e.g., monophonic, polyphonic, and/or
rich audio), and/or other information about Wireless Device that
could affect downloading and viewing of an Advertisement.
[0896] Static Information may also include information about the
preferences of user regarding Advertisements. This information
reflects the historical responses of the user to prior
Advertisements ("Historical User Ad Preferences"). In particular,
this information reflects which Elements were most effective in
generating a desired response by an Advertiser. The present
application describes in a later section how any person skilled in
the art can make and use a system or method of producing Historical
User Ad Preferences.
4.1.2 DYNAMIC INFORMATION
[0897] Dynamic Information 5732 is the Dynamic Information
associated with Wireless Device 5750. Dynamic Information can
include any type of information related to an user's ability and
willingness to receive, view, hear, and/or interpret an
Advertisement that can change over a time period shorter than the
duration of the transmission of an Advertisement. Each user with a
Wireless Device has his/her unique Dynamic Information. Dynamic
information can be information related to an user's ability to
receive, view, hear, and/or interpret an Advertisement that can
change over a time period shorter than the duration of the
transmission of an Advertisement. Dynamic Information can include,
but is not limited to information about an user, information about
user activity on Wireless Device 0120 at any given time, and/or
information about Wireless Device 0120 that could affect
downloading and viewing and/or hearing and Advertisement.
[0898] Information about an user may include time of day, day of
week, day of year, and/or velocity of vehicle in which an user is
traveling. The information may also include the location of user.
When user is at or near home. Advertiser System 0100 can transmit
an Advertisement that promotes awareness, trial, and/or usage. When
an user is traveling away from home, Advertiser System 0100 can
transmit an Advertisement that promotes awareness, but not trial or
usage if a Retailer is not present at visited location. For
example, if an user lives in Los Angeles but is traveling to New
York, an LA-based Retailer could send an awareness message, but not
an offer message.
[0899] Information about an user may also include weather in
immediate area. The DAPM can link information about user location
to third-party database on local weather conditions. For example,
rainy weather could make an user more receptive to an Advertisement
for raincoats, while sunny and hot weather could make an user more
receptive to an Advertisement for suntan lotion.
[0900] Information about an user may also include information about
events in the immediate area. The DAPM can link information about
user location to third-party database on local events. For example,
an user at a baseball game could be more receptive to an
Advertisement for baseball Products. An user at a concert could be
more receptive to an Advertisement for music Products.
[0901] Information about an user may also include the distance
traveled by user. If an user travels long distance and time is
evening, the user could be more receptive to an Advertisement for
hotel/motel services and the DAPM could link user to third-party
database of local hotels and motels. The information may also
include fuel tank inventory of vehicle. If gasoline level is low,
an user could be more receptive to an Advertisement for gasoline
service stations and the DAPM could link user to third-party
database of local gasoline service stations.
[0902] Dynamic Information about user activity on Wireless Device
0120 may include content from third-party sources an user is
viewing and/or hearing such as a video program, an audio program, a
web page, and/or a game and/or content from sources generated by an
user which an user is viewing and/or hearing including, but not
limited to an email, music, and/or a photo.
[0903] User activity information may also include activity by an
user including purchasing and/or financial activity at an ATM. If
an user is buying a Product, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit a
promotion of related Product. For example, if an user buys digital
camera, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit a promotion for digital
photo printer. If an user is withdrawing funds at ATM or
transferring funds from ATM to Wireless Device 0120, Advertiser
System 0100 can transmit a promotion for financial services.
[0904] Dynamic Information may also include information about
Wireless Device 0120 that could affect downloading and viewing
and/or hearing of Advertisement. The information may include the
degree of light (sunlight or artificial) in the immediate area of
Wireless Device 0120, which could be detected and measured by a
sensor device sensitive to different intensities of light. In the
preferred embodiment, the sensor would be incorporated in the
display of Wireless Device 0120, which could measure approximately
the intensity of light absorbed by the display. In another
embodiment, the sensor would be placed in a position or on a device
on Wireless Device 0120 other than the display. If the sensor
detects a low light level, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit an
Advertisement with more or less visually rich images and emphasis
on rich audio content. If the sensor detects a high light level,
Advertiser System 0100 can transmit an Advertisement with more or
less visually rich images and emphasis on rich audio content.
[0905] Information about a Wireless Device 0120 may also include
degree of noise level in the immediate area of Wireless Device
0120, which could be detected and measured by a sensor device
sensitive to different intensities of noise. In the preferred
embodiment, the sensor would be incorporated in Microphone 0328,
which could measure approximately the intensity of noise absorbed
by Microphone 0328. In another embodiment, the sensor would be
placed in a position or on a device on Wireless Device 0120 other
than Microphone 0328. If the sensor detects a low noise level,
Advertiser System 0100 can transmit an Advertisement with high
sound volume and emphasis on rich audio content. If the sensor
detects a high noise level, Advertiser System 0100 can transmit an
Advertisement with low sound volume and emphasis on rich visual
content.
[0906] Information about Wireless Device may also include the
amount of Wireless Device 0120 battery power remaining. If a low
battery power level is detected, Advertiser System 0100 can
transmit an Advertisement that would consume less battery power,
e.g., a text message, than an Advertisement that would consume more
battery power, e.g., a video file.
[0907] Information about a Wireless Device 0120 may also include
the quality of connection between Wireless Base Station 0302 and
Wireless Device 0120. Wireless Base Station 0302 and/or Wireless
Device 0120 can measure the quality of the connection using any
index, including, but not limited to: signal-to-noise ratio. If the
index indicates a low-quality connection, Advertiser System 0100
can delay the transmission of the Advertisement to avoid the risk
of a dropped call or interrupted transmission and thus avoid any
retransmission charges.
4.1.3 FEEDBACK INFORMATION
[0908] Feedback Information is information that reflects if, when,
how, and/or to what degree an user responds to any kind of content,
including an Advertisement, viewed by the user on Wireless Device
5750 in this example or on other Media Devices 0110 in other
examples. Such responses can include, but are not limited to: the
responses listed in Table 1200 in FIG. 12. Such responses can be
measured by systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or computer program
products including, but not limited to, the URMS 0350. Feedback
Information 5760, Feedback Information 5790, Feedback Information
6960, and Feedback Information 6990 can include data, including,
but not limited to: the number of Advertisements received listed in
Table 6100 in FIG. 61, the responses listed in Table 1200 in FIG.
12, and/or the data in Ad Data File 0734, Ad Reception File 0736,
Ad Response File 0738, Payment Data File 0740, and/or Matching
Event File 0742.
[0909] The DAPM 5700 can use two types of feedback. The first,
Feedback Information 5760, is communicated from the URMS 0350 of a
Wireless Device to Ad Element Database 5720 via Wireless Base
Station 0302 or any other wireless or wired network. The objective
of obtaining the Feedback Information, in general, is to measure
the behavior or reaction of an user to an Advertisement. Two
different Advertisements promoting the same Product can produce two
different reactions from any given user with Static Information and
Dynamic Information. Obtaining Feedback Information can enable an
Advertiser to determine: (a) which overall Advertisement is most
effective in generating the desired user response; (b) which
Elements are most effective in generating the desired user
response; (c) which combination of Elements is most effective in
generating the desired user response; and/or (d) which Version of
any given Element is most effective in generating the desired user
response. The objective of obtaining Feedback Information 5760, in
particular, is to measure the behavior or reaction of an user to an
Initial Advertisement and utilize the Feedback Information in order
to produce a subsequent and/or final version of the Advertisement
that is most likely to produce the behavior desired by an
Advertiser.
[0910] The second, Feedback Information 5790, is communicated from
the URMS of a Wireless Device to an Advertiser via Wireless Base
Station 0302 or any other wireless or wired network. Feedback
Information 5760 is Feedback Information generated from measuring
the response to Initial Advertisement 1 5742 and Initial
Advertisement n 5744 of users in a sample group, which in this
example include: Wireless Device 5750, Wireless Device 5752,
Wireless Device 5754, and Wireless Device 5756. The DAPM can select
the sample group of users either by asking specific users to
participate in a sample or transmitting Initial Advertisements to a
group of users and utilizing their responses as the sample
responses. In contrast, Feedback Information 5790 is Feedback
Information generated from measuring the response to each Final
Advertisement transmitted to each user, including in this example:
Final Advertisement 1 5770, Final Advertisement 2 5772, Final
Advertisement 3 5774, and Final Advertisement 4 5776 to Wireless
Device 5780, Wireless Device 5782, Wireless Device 5784, and
Wireless Device 5786, respectively. Each of the Final
Advertisements is an unique Advertisement transmitted to each
unique Wireless Device. That is, the DAPM can generate an unique
combination of Advertisement Elements in a Final Advertisement that
reflects: (a) the Static Information and Dynamic Information of a
Wireless Device, whether or not the Wireless Device was a
participant in the sample group of users receiving an Initial
Advertisement; and/or (b) the Feedback Information 5760.
[0911] The objective of obtaining Feedback Information 5790 is not
necessarily to measure the behavior or reaction of an user to an
Initial Advertisement and utilize the Feedback Information in order
to produce an improved version of an Initial Advertisement. The
objective of obtaining Feedback Information 5790 is to measure the
behavior or reaction of an user to a Final Advertisement to measure
the overall effectiveness of the Final Advertisement. An Advertiser
can utilize Feedback Information 5790 to help measure the ROI of
the Final Advertisement along different dimensions, including, but
not limited to: ROI of Advertisements promoting a unique Product,
ROI of Advertisements promoting a unique brand, ROI of
Advertisements distributed through a given Media Device 0110, ROI
of Advertisements distributed through a given media channel, and/or
ROI of all Advertisements by an Advertiser.
4.2 METHODS FOR DYNAMIC PRODUCTION OF ADVERTISEMENTS
4.2.1 OVERVIEW
[0912] FIGS. 62A-D show examples of the generation of different
User Response Scores based on characteristics of an Advertisement,
according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 62A shows
how two different overall Advertisements, Advertisement 1 6200 and
Advertisement 2 6210, can generate two different User Response
Scores in the preferred embodiment and alternative measures of user
responses to Advertisements in alternative embodiments.
[0913] FIG. 62B shows how two different Elements in an
Advertisement, Element 1 6220 and Element 2 6230, can generate two
different User Response Scores in the preferred embodiment and
alternative measures of user responses to Advertisements in
alternative embodiments. For example, an Element focusing on
describing Product benefits can generate a different User Response
Score than an Element focusing on celebrity endorsements.
[0914] FIG. 62C shows how two different combinations of Elements,
Combination 1 6240 and Combination 2 6250, can generate two
different User Response Scores in the preferred embodiment and
alternative measures of user responses to Advertisements in
alternative embodiments. For example, Combination 1 6240 that
contains Element 1 6242, which could focus on describing Product
benefits, and Element 2 6244, which could focus on price, can
generate a different User Response Score than Combination 2 6250
that contains Element 1 6252, which could focus on describing
Product benefits, and Element 2 6254, which could focus on a
celebrity endorsement.
[0915] FIG. 62D shows how two different Versions of an Element,
Version 1 6260 and Version 2 6270, can generate two different User
Response Scores in the preferred embodiment and alternative
measures of user responses to Advertisements in alternative
embodiments. For example, both Version 1 6260 and Version 2 6270
can focus on a celebrity endorsement, but Version 1 6260 could be
an Advertisement with celebrity endorser 1 and Version 2 6270 could
be the same Advertisement with celebrity endorser 2.
[0916] The DAPM can measure the effectiveness of different Elements
by comparing the User Response Scores among the users in a sample
group, which in FIG. 57 could include: Wireless Device 5750,
Wireless Device 5752, Wireless Device 5754, Wireless Device 5756,
and n number of Wireless Devices not pictured. In the DAPM,
Advertiser System 0100 can transmit Initial Advertisement 5742 and
Initial Advertisement 5744 that are similar in every respect except
one: Initial Advertisement 5742 could include Element 1 5720 and
Initial Advertisement 5744 could include Element 2 5730. If a
sample group is large enough, a statistically significant
difference in responsiveness among the group of Wireless Devices
could enable an Advertiser to conclude that Advertisements
featuring one Element are more effective than Advertisements
featuring the other Element.
[0917] In another embodiment, the DAPM can measure the
effectiveness of different Elements by comparing the User Response
Scores of a given user over a large sample of Advertisements. Over
time, a given user preferring Element 1 5720 over Element 2 5730
would probably respond to more Advertisements including Element 1
5720. For example, one user might be particularly swayed by
Advertisements that focus on describing Product benefits and less
persuaded by Advertisements utilizing celebrity endorsements. If a
given user receives enough Advertisements that are similar in every
respect except the different emphasis on Elements, a statistically
significant difference in responsiveness between the Advertisements
could enable an Advertiser to conclude that Advertisements
featuring one Element are more effective than Advertisements
featuring the other Element.
[0918] The present invention can generate more reliable data for
Advertisers by enabling them to measure the preferences of users
for different Elements passively, rather than actively. The DAPM
does not require any explicit or overt action by the user to
register the preference for any given Element. Requiring an user or
group of users to select explicitly, overtly, or actively a given
Element to determine user preference can introduce user bias into
the measurement. In addition, by not requiring any overt action by
the user to register the preference for any given Element,
Advertisement, and Version of an Element, a system based on the
DAPM can increase the size of the sample of users. A system that
requires less effort of users to record preferences should attract
more users to participate than a system requiring more effort of
the users.
4.2.2 METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF ADVERTISEMENT ELEMENTS
[0919] FIG. 63 depicts a flowchart 6300 of an exemplary method for
the dynamic production of an Advertisement, according to
embodiments of the present invention. Flowchart 6300 is described
with continued reference to System 5700 of FIG. 57. However,
flowchart 6300 is not limited to that embodiment. The present
invention can implement flowchart 6300 by executing a subset of the
steps, executing the steps in different order, and/or executing
other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0920] In step 6300, Advertiser System 0100 obtains Static
Information 5730 and/or Dynamic Information 5732 for each Wireless
Device in a sample group of users, which in this example are
Wireless Device 5750, Wireless Device 5752, Wireless Device 5754,
and/or Wireless Device 5756. The Static Information 5730 can be
stored in Ad Element Database 5720, at each respective Wireless
Device 5750-5756, and/or another location. The Dynamic Information
5732 can be transmitted by each respective Wireless Device
5750-5756 at or around the time Advertiser System 0100 transmits
the Elements to Ad Element Database 5720.
[0921] In step 6310, Ad Element Database 5720 and/or Wireless
Operator Server 5740 upload one or more elements of an
Advertisement. As discussed above, an Advertiser System 0100
produces different Elements of an Advertisement, e.g., Element 1
5710, Element 2 5712, Element 3 5714, and Element n 5716, that it
can incorporate into different Advertisements aimed at different
users. Advertiser System 0100 transmits the Elements from
Advertiser System 0100 to Ad Element Database 5720. In one
embodiment, Ad Element Database 5720 transmits the Elements to
Mobile Operator Server 5740. In another embodiment, Ad Element
Database 5720 does not transmit the Elements to Wireless Operator
Server 5740. For example, Ad Element Database 5720 can incorporate
the Elements into different Advertisements and transmit such
Advertisements directly to individual Wireless Devices, as
discussed above in Section 4.1.
[0922] In step 6320, Wireless Operator Server 5740 selects or
receives an Initial Advertisement. In an embodiment, Wireless
Operator Server 5740 applies an algorithm to select two or more
Initial Advertisements. In another embodiment, Wireless Operator
Server 5740 receives two or more Initial Advertisements from Ad
Element Database 5720.
[0923] In another embodiment, Ad Element Database 5720 applies an
algorithm to select two or more Initial Advertisements. The
algorithm may use as input the Static Information 5730 and/or
Dynamic Information 5732 of one or more Wireless Devices in a
sample group.
[0924] In step 6630, Wireless Operator Server 5740 transmits two or
more Initial Advertisements, which comprise different combinations
of Elements, to comparable user populations.
[0925] In step 6340, the Wireless Devices receiving one or more of
the Initial Advertisements utilize their respective URMS 0350 to
measure the responsiveness of each respective user to the Initial
Advertisement it receives. Each respective Wireless Device
transmits its Feedback Information 5760 to Ad Element Database
5720. Systems and methods for measuring the responsiveness of an
user to an Advertisement are described above.
[0926] In step 6350, Wireless Operator Server 5740 selects or
receives a Final Advertisement. In one embodiment, Wireless
Operator Server 5740 applies an algorithm to select the Final
Advertisement. In another embodiment, Wireless Operator Server 5740
receives a Final Advertisement from Ad Element Database 5720.
[0927] In another embodiment, Ad Element Database 5720 applies an
algorithm to select the optimal Final Advertisement(s). Ad Element
Database 5720 incorporates Static Information and/or Dynamic
Information for each Wireless Device for an user and Feedback
Information from a comparable user, i.e., a Wireless Device user
with comparable Static Information and Dynamic Information, to
select a Final Advertisement. For example, user of Wireless Device
5780, which was not a Wireless Device of sample group of users
exposed to an Initial Advertisement, transmits its Static
Information and Dynamic Information to Ad Element Database 5720. Ad
Element Database 5720 searches its database for a Wireless Device
in the sample group of users with comparable or similar Static
Information and Dynamic Information. The DAPM assumes that two
users with similar Static Information and Dynamic Information can
have at least an approximately similar or comparable reaction to
any given Advertisement.
[0928] The DAPM can apply an algorithm to select a combination of
Elements constituting an Initial Advertisement or a Final
Advertisement for a given user that increases the probability of
generating a response from the user desired by an Advertiser. The
algorithms selecting an Initial Advertisement and Final
Advertisement can include, but are not limited to: a genetic
algorithm, a simulated annealing algorithm, a particle swarm
optimization algorithm, an ant colony optimization algorithm, a
least squares optimization algorithm, any other algorithm, and/or
algorithms operating in parallel.
[0929] In step 6360, Wireless Operator Server 5740 transmits the
Final Advertisement to all Wireless Devices to which Advertiser
System 0100 can transmit an Advertisement, including, but not
limited to: Final Advertisement 1 5770, Final Advertisement 2 5772,
Final Advertisement 3 5774, and Final Advertisement 4 5776 to
Wireless Device 5780, Wireless Device 5782, Wireless Device 5784,
and Wireless Device 5786, respectively.
[0930] In step 6370, the Wireless Devices receiving the Final
Advertisements utilize their respective URMS 0350 to measure the
responsiveness of each respective user to the Final Advertisement
it receives. This measurement enables the Advertiser to measure the
ROI of the Final Advertisement. Each respective Wireless Device can
transmit its Feedback Information 5790 to Advertiser System 0100
through Wireless Base Station 0302 or any other wireless or wired
network.
4.2.3 METHODS TESTING EFFECT OF INDEPENDENT VARIABLES
[0931] FIG. 64 is a flowchart 6400 illustrating an exemplary Method
6400 of enabling an Advertiser to measure the effect that one
variable can have on the response of an user to an Advertisement,
according to embodiments of the present invention. The present
invention can implement flowchart 6400 by executing a subset of the
steps, executing the steps in different order, and/or executing
other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0932] In step 6410, an Advertiser System 0100 produces two or more
Advertisements which can include an Ad Data Code 0200 and transmits
the Advertisements to a Media Operator 0104. In one embodiment,
Advertiser System 0100 provides an economic incentive, e.g., a
coupon, for the user to record the Code into his/her Wireless
Device 0120 by including in the Code the basic UCC Coupon Code, the
UCC/EAN 128 Coupon Extended Code, or the corresponding version for
any given country/region. In another embodiment, Advertiser System
0100 produces Advertisements without any economic incentive for the
user to record the Code into his/her Wireless Device 0120 and just
transmits the Advertisements to a Media Operator 0104. In the
preferred embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 produces two
Advertisements--Advertisement A and Advertisement B--which have the
same features in every respect except one feature, which is the
variable whose effect on user response an Advertiser wants to
measure ("Independent Variable"). The user response ("User
Response") can include any response by an user to viewing an
Advertisement, including, but not limited to: any Intermediate
Response, and/or a purchase of the Product promoted in the
Advertisement. In another embodiment, Advertiser System 0100 can
produce more than two Advertisements, which have the same features
in every respect except the Independent Variable. The Independent
Variable can be any feature whose effect on User Response an
Advertiser wants to test.
[0933] For example, an independent variable may include different
features of a given Advertisement, including, but not limited to:
type of pricing promotions (e.g., Advertisement A offers a 25%
discount and Advertisement B offers a "buy three, get one free"
promotion), degree of Product benefit explanation (e.g.,
Advertisement A explains the Product benefits v. Advertisement B
does not explain the Product benefits), Product endorsement (e.g.,
Advertisement A cites a scientific study v. Advertisement B cites a
"man in the street" or a celebrity), degree of humor (e.g.,
Advertisement A is funny v. Advertisement B is serious), type of
background music (e.g., Advertisement A uses popular background
music v. Advertisement B uses classical background music), type of
background color (e.g., Advertisement A uses a blue background v.
Advertisement B uses a red background), degree of personalization
(e.g., Advertisement A cites the name of the user v. Advertisement
B does not cite the name of the user), or type of Product (e.g.,
Advertisement A promotes Product A v. Advertisement B promotes
Product B).
[0934] In another example, an independent variable may include
different versions of the same feature of a given Advertisement,
i.e., for any given feature, the Independent Variable can be any
version of the feature whose effect on User Response an Advertiser
wants to test, which can include, but is not limited to: different
versions of a given pricing promotion (e.g., Advertisement A offers
a 10% price discount v. Advertisement B offers a 25% price
discount), different versions of Product benefit explanation (e.g.,
Advertisement A cites the Product benefit of great taste v.
Advertisement B cites the Product benefit of lower calories),
different versions of a given Product endorsement feature (e.g.,
Advertisement A cites Celebrity A v. Advertisement B cites
Celebrity B), different versions of humor (e.g., Advertisement A
uses subtle humor v. Advertisement B uses overt humor), different
versions of background music (e.g., Advertisement A uses classical
background music written by composer A v. Advertisement B uses
classical background music written by composer B), different
versions of background color (e.g., Advertisement A uses a light
blue background v. Advertisement B uses a dark blue background), or
different versions of personalization (e.g., Advertisement A cites
the name of the user v. Advertisement B uses a picture of the
user).
[0935] In another example, an independent variable may be the focus
of a given Advertisement on promoting the brand of a Product v.
encouraging the immediate purchase of a Product. An Advertiser can
test the effect on User Response of an Advertisement which focuses
on promoting the Product brand v. an Advertisement which focuses on
promoting the user purchase of the Product. For example,
Advertisement A can include content explaining the Product benefit
and exclude any content encouraging the immediate purchase of a
Product, while Advertisement B can exclude content explaining the
Product benefit and focus primarily on content encouraging the
immediate purchase of a Product, e.g., a price discount if the user
purchases the Product by a given deadline.
[0936] In another example, the independent variable may include
different Media Device 0110, Media Program, or Media Location
through which Advertiser System 0100 transmits an Advertisement.
That is, an Advertiser can test the effect on User Response of an
Advertisement transmitted to one Media Device 0110 v. another Media
Device 0110, one Media Program v. another Media Program, or one
Media Location v. another Media Location.
[0937] In step 6412, Media Operator 0104 transmits Advertisement A
to a first group of users ("Sample Group A") and Advertisement B to
a second group of users ("Sample Group B"). To ensure that Sample
Group A and Sample Group B are comparable, the present method can
utilize statistical sampling methodology well known to those with
ordinary skill in the art such that both sample groups are
comparable and/or both sample groups represent the broader group of
users targeted by an Advertiser within a level of statistical
significance acceptable to the Advertiser. The users in Sample
Group A and Sample Group B view Advertisement A and Advertisement
B, respectively, at same or similar Media Location(s) at same or
similar Media Program(s) on the same type of Media Device(s) 0110
during the same time period. That is, the users in Sample Group A
and Sample Group B should view their respective Advertisements
under conditions as similar as needed to ensure similar
experiences.
[0938] In step 6414, the users in Sample Group A view Advertisement
A and the users in Sample Group B view Advertisement B. The present
method can measure if, when, and/or how users in Sample Group A and
Sample Group B view Advertisement A and Advertisement B,
respectively, with a computer program product on any device,
including, but not limited to: URMS 0350 on Wireless Device 0120,
URMS 0350 on Television 0304, or any other software with the
capability to measure if, when, and/or how an user views an
Advertisement similar to that of URMS 0350 on any other Media
Device 0110 (collectively "User Ad Viewing Measurement Devices").
The present method can measure if, when, and/or how an user views
an Advertisement utilizing any of the systems, methods,
apparatuses, and/or computer program products described throughout
the present invention and/or any other systems, methods,
apparatuses, and/or computer program products not described in the
present invention. Any of the devices can write data measuring user
views of Advertisement A and Advertisement B to Ad Data File
0734.
[0939] In step 6416, the users in Sample Group A make User
Responses to Advertisement A and the users in Sample Group B make
User Responses to Advertisement B. The present method can passively
measure if, when, and/or how users in Sample Group A and Sample
Group B make User Responses to Advertisement A and Advertisement B,
respectively, with a computer program product on any device,
including, but not limited to: URMS 0350 on Wireless Device 0120,
RURS 1460 on POS System 0130 and/or Retailer Server 0140, or any
other software with the capability to measure if, when, and/or how
an user makes User Responses to an Advertisement similar to that of
URMS 0350 on any other device (collectively "User Response
Measurement Devices"). That is, the Wireless Device does not ask an
user to actively comment on his or her response to an
Advertisement. The present invention passively measures responses
to an Advertisement by observing the behavior of an user after the
Advertisement is viewed. The method of FIG. 64 can measure User
Response utilizing any of the systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or
computer program products described throughout the present
invention and/or any other systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or
computer program products not described in the present invention.
Any of the devices can write data measuring User Responses to
Advertisement A and Advertisement B to Ad Response File 0738 and/or
Payment Data File 0740.
[0940] In step 6418, any User Ad Viewing Measurement Devices
transmit Ad Data File 0734 to Advertiser System 0100 and any User
Response Measurement Devices transmit Ad Response File 0738 and/or
Payment Data File 0740 to Advertiser System 0100. In another
embodiment, any User Ad Viewing Measurement Devices transmit Ad
Response File 0738 and/or Payment Data File 0740 to Advertiser
System 0100. In another embodiment, any User Response Measurement
Devices transmit Ad Data File 0734 to Advertiser System 0100. In
another embodiment, any User Ad Viewing Measurement Devices and/or
User Response Measurement Devices transmit Matching Event File 0742
to Advertiser System 0100. In another embodiment, any User Ad
Viewing Measurement Devices and/or User Response Measurement
Devices transmit Ad Data File 0734, Ad Response File 0738, Payment
Data File 0740, and/or Matching Event File 0742 to Third Party
Server 0150, which in turn transmits the files to Advertiser System
0100 or processes the data in the files for transmission to
Advertiser System 0100. In another embodiment, User Ad Viewing
Measurement Devices and/or User Response Measurement Devices can
measure if an user views Advertisement A and/or Advertisement B
and/or makes User Responses to Advertisement A and/or Advertisement
B, respectively, through any other systems and/or methods,
including, but not limited to: Method 4800, Method 5000, and/or
Method 5200.
[0941] In step 6420, Advertiser System 0100 calculates the ROI of
Advertisement A and the ROI of Advertisement B. In another
embodiment, Third Party Server 0150 calculates ROI of Advertisement
A and ROI of Advertisement B and transmits the ROI data to
Advertiser System 0100. In another embodiment, User Ad Viewing
Measurement Devices and/or User Response Measurement Devices
calculate ROI of Advertisement A and ROI of Advertisement B and
transmit the ROI data to Advertiser System 0100.
[0942] In step 6422, Advertiser System 0100 calculates the
difference between ROI of Advertisement A and ROI of Advertisement
B. In another embodiment, Third Party Server 0150 calculates the
difference between ROI of Advertisement A and ROI of Advertisement
B and transmits the data to Advertiser System 0100. Advertiser
System 0100 can utilize statistical sampling methodology well known
to those with ordinary skill in the art to determine if the
difference in ROI due to the effect of the Independent Variable on
User Response is statistically significant.
[0943] An Advertiser can apply Method 6400 to measure the effect of
the Independent Variable on the User Response through a variety of
methods. For example, an Advertiser may transmit Advertisement A to
Sample Group A and Advertisement B to Sample Group B, where
Advertisement A and Advertisement B were equal in every respect,
Sample Group A and Sample Group B were statistically similar, and
Advertisement A had a first value of the Independent Variable and
Advertisement B had a second value of the Independent Variable. For
example, if an Advertiser wanted to measure the effect that varying
an Independent Variable, e.g., price discount, would have on the
User Response, Advertisement Server 0100 could transmit
Advertisement A, which offered a 10% price discount, to Sample
Group A and Advertisement B, which offered a 20% price discount, to
Sample Group B. Because Advertisement A and Advertisement B were
equal in every respect except the Independent Variable and Sample
Group A and Sample Group B were statistically similar, an
Advertiser can attribute any difference in User Response to the
difference in price discounts.
[0944] In another example, an Advertiser may transmit Advertisement
A to Sample Group A and Advertisement A to Sample Group B, where
Sample Group A and Sample Group B were statistically similar, and
Sample Group A viewed Advertisement A on one set of Media Devices
0110, Media Programs, or Media Locations, and Sample Group B viewed
Advertisement A on the same set of Media Devices 0110, Media
Programs, or Media Locations, with the exception of one Media
Device 0110, Media Program, or Media Location. For example, if an
Advertiser wanted to measure the effect that varying an Independent
Variable, e.g., Media Device 0110, would have on User Response, it
could transmit Advertisement A to Sample Group A, which viewed
Advertisement A on a Television and Wireless Device, and
Advertisement A to Sample Group B, which viewed Advertisement A on
a Television, Wireless Device, and Personal Computer. Because
Sample Group A and Sample Group B viewed the same Advertisement A,
Sample Group A and Sample Group B were statistically similar, and
Sample Group A and Sample Group B viewed the Same Advertisement A
on the same Media Devices 0110 except for the Personal Computer, an
Advertiser can attribute any difference in User Response to
Advertisement A viewed on a Personal Computer.
[0945] FIG. 65 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary Method 6500 for
enabling an Advertiser System 0100 to measure the effect of viewing
an Advertisement on different Media Devices 0110, Media Programs,
or Media Locations, according to embodiments of present invention.
The present invention can implement flowchart 6500 by executing a
subset of the steps, executing the steps in different order, and/or
executing other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[0946] In step 6510, Advertiser System 0100 produces one
Advertisement A for transmission to a Media Operator 0104.
[0947] In step 6512, Media Operator 0104 transmits Advertisement A
to Sample Group A and Advertisement A to Sample Group B. The users
in Sample Group A and Sample Group B view Advertisement A on or at
Media Location(s), Media Program(s), and Media Device(s) 0110,
which are the same or similar in every respect except for the
Independent Variable an Advertiser wants to measure. That is, if an
Advertiser wants to measure the effect of viewing an Advertisement
on a Personal Computer, the users in Sample Group A and Sample
Group B would view Advertisement A on the same Media Location(s),
Media Program(s), and the same set of Media Devices 0110, except
Sample Group B would view Advertisement A on the Personal Computer,
in addition to the same set of Media Devices 0110 viewed by Sample
Group A.
[0948] In step 6514, the users in Sample Group A view Advertisement
A and the users in Sample Group B view Advertisement A.
[0949] In step 6516, the users in Sample Group A make User
Responses to Advertisement A and the users in Sample Group B make
User Responses to Advertisement A.
[0950] In step 6518, any User Ad Viewing Measurement Devices
transmit Ad Data File 0734 directly or indirectly to Advertiser
System 0100 and any User Response Measurement Devices transmit
Payment Data File 0740 directly or indirectly to Advertiser System
0100.
[0951] In step 6520, Advertiser System 0100 calculates the ROI of
Advertisement A among Sample Group A and the ROI of Advertisement A
among Sample Group B.
[0952] In step 6522, Advertiser System 0100 calculates the
difference between the ROI of Advertisement A among Sample Group A
and the ROI of Advertisement A among Sample Group B.
[0953] In another embodiment, an Advertiser can test the relative
effect on user purchase of the Product from any marketing program,
not just an Advertisement. That is, an Advertisement is just one
means by which an Advertiser can influence an user to purchase a
Product. An Advertiser can utilize a variety of means other than
transmitting an Advertisement to user to encourage his/her purchase
of a Product, including, but not limited to: public relations
campaign, sales personnel actions, different pricing strategy,
different Product Package, or different service offering. In the
present embodiment, the Independent Variable can be one of the
means, e.g., different Product Package. The present method can in
Step 6412 transmit Advertisement A which has Product Package A to
Sample Group A and Advertisement B which has Product Package B to
Sample Group B. Advertisement A and Advertisement B have the same
features in every respect, except for the different Product
Package. At Step 6412, Advertiser System 0100 can utilize
statistical sampling methodology well known to those with ordinary
skill in the art to determine if the difference in ROI due to the
different Product Package on User Response is statistically
significant.
[0954] In another embodiment, an Advertiser can test the relative
effect on ROI of any given Advertisement from any given
Intermediate Response. That is, the present method can enable
Advertiser System 0100 to estimate the relative contribution to the
purchasing decision by an user of Wireless Device 0120 of one or
more User Responses. Any purchasing decision of a given Product by
an user is a result of a number of independent variables. For
example, an Advertiser could value the contribution of any
Independent Variable as follows: P.sub.i=(w.sub.1*Advertising
Effectiveness)+(w.sub.2*Product Benefit)+(w.sub.3*Price)+(w.sub.i*
Other Independent Variable)+ . . . n
[0955] where P.sub.i=probability that users will purchase a given
Product, [0956] w.sub.i=weight of any given Independent Variable,
and [0957] n=noise or random factors.
[0958] If the Advertiser concluded that Independent Variable
(Advertising Effectiveness) contributes x% to P.sub.i, then the
present method can enable the Advertiser to estimate the
contribution of any Independent Variable, e.g., Independent
Variable (Click-Through Advertisement) and Independent Variable
(Sample Product), to P.sub.i (due to Advertising Effectiveness) as
follows: P.sub.i(Advertising Effectiveness)=(w.sub.1*Click-Through
Advertisement)+(w.sub.2*Search for Product)+(w.sub.3*Visit Retailer
that Sells Product)+(w.sub.4*Sample Product)+(w.sub.i*Other
Independent Variable)+ . . . n [0959] where P.sub.i (Advertising
Effectiveness)=probability that users will purchase a given Product
due to Advertising Effectiveness, [0960] w.sub.i=weight of any
given Independent Variable, and [0961] n=noise or random
factors.
[0962] The present invention can apply Method 6400 to test the
relative effect of an Intermediate Response on the ROI of a given
Advertisement.
[0963] In step 6410A, an Advertiser System 0100 produces one
Advertisement which can include an Ad Data Code 0200 and transmits
the Advertisement to a Media Operator 0104.
[0964] In step 6412A, Media Operator 0104 transmits the
Advertisement to a Sample Group A.
[0965] In step 6414A, users in Sample Group A view the
Advertisement. URMS 0350 on any User Ad Viewing Measurement Device
measures if user views the Advertisement.
[0966] In step 6416A, users in Sample Group A make User Responses
to Advertisement. URMS 0350 on any User Response Measurement Device
measures if user responds to the Advertisement.
[0967] In step 6418A, any User Ad Viewing Measurement Devices
transmit Ad Data File 0734 to Advertiser System 0100 and any User
Response Measurement Devices transmit Payment Data File 0740 to
Advertiser System 0100.
[0968] In step 6420A, Advertiser System 0100 calculates: (1) the
number of users who responded to the Advertisement with a
Click-Through Advertisement, e.g., an user who clicked an
automobile Advertisement on a Personal Computer 0308 or Television
0304; and (2) of those users, the number of users who purchased the
Product promoted in the Advertisement. The present method defines
ROI (Click-Through)=(2)/(1).
[0969] In step 6422A, Advertiser System 0100 calculates: (1) the
number of users who responded to the Advertisement with a Sample
Product, e.g., an user who took a test drive of an automobile; and
(2) of those users, the number of users who purchase the Product
promoted in the Advertisement. The present method defines ROI
(Sample)=(2)/(1).
[0970] In step 6424A, Advertiser System 0100 can compare ROI
(Click-Through) against ROI (Sample). For example, if ROI
(Click-Through) equals 10% and ROI (Sample) equals 40%, then
Advertiser System 0100 can reasonably value an Advertisement that
generates an User Response of a Click-Through of Advertisement as
equal to 25% of the value of an Advertisement that generates an
User Response of a Sample Product.
[0971] FIG. 66 shows a diagram comparing two
Advertisements--Advertisement 6600 and Advertisement 6620--which
have the same features in every respect except for the Independent
Variable, which in the present example is Brand Message 6610,
according to embodiments of the present invention. The present
method can enable an Advertiser to measure the effect that Brand
Message 6610 has on User Response by calculating the ROI of
Advertisement 6600 transmitted to Sample Group A, calculating the
ROI of Advertisement 6620 transmitted to Sample Group B, and
measuring the difference in ROI. Because Advertisement 6600 and
Advertisement 6620 have the same features in every respect except
for the Independent Variable, Brand Message 6610, and assuming
Advertiser System 0100 transmits Advertisement 6600 and
Advertisement 6620 to two similar groups of users, an Advertiser
can reasonably attribute the difference in ROI to Brand Message
6610. In Embodiment 6600:1, the present method can calculate the
ROI of Advertisement 6600 among Sample Group A and Advertisement
6620 among Sample Group B at time t.sub.1, which would enable an
Advertiser to compare the effect of Brand Message 6610 on User
Response at time t.sub.1. However, an Advertiser might believe that
an user must be exposed to Brand Message 6610 for some time period
before the message can affect User Response. In another Embodiment
6600:2, the present method can calculate the ROI of Advertisement
6600 without Transaction Message 6612 at time t.sub.1, among Sample
Group A, calculate the ROI of Advertisement 6600 with Transaction
Message 6612 at time t.sub.2 among Sample Group A, calculate the
ROI of Advertisement 6620 at time t.sub.2 among Sample Group B, and
measure the difference in ROI. In the present embodiment,
Advertiser System 0100 can utilize statistical sampling methodology
well known to those with ordinary skill in the art to determine if
the difference in ROI due to the effect that Brand Message 6610 has
on User Response over the period of time t.sub.2-time t.sub.1 is
statistically significant. In another Embodiment 6600:3, the
present method can calculate the ROI of Advertisement 6600 without
Transaction Message 6612 among Sample Group A at time t.sub.1,
calculate the ROI of Advertisement 6620 among Sample Group B at
time t.sub.1, and measure the difference in ROI. While Embodiment
6600:3 would yield an ROI difference that is less reliable than
Embodiment 6600:1 or Embodiment 6600:2, an Advertiser still might
prefer Embodiment 6600:3 because it may cost less to test.
[0972] FIG. 67 depicts an exemplary method of calculating the
optimal price an Advertiser should be willing to pay for a given
Media Location, according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0973] FIG. 68 shows a diagram comparing the transmission of the
same Advertisement--Advertisement 6800--to Sample Group A and
Sample Group B, each of which views the Advertisement through
different Media Devices 0110, according to embodiment so the
present invention. The present method can enable Advertiser System
0100 to measure the effect on User Response of transmitting
Advertisement 6800 through Media Device A 6810 v. transmitting
Advertisement 6800 through Media Device B 6820. In the preferred
embodiment, the present method can calculate the ROI of
Advertisement 6800 transmitted to Sample Group A viewing the
Advertisement on both Media Device A 6810 and Media Device B 6820,
calculate the ROI of Advertisement 6800 transmitted to Sample Group
B viewing the Advertisement on Media Device B 6820, and measure the
difference in ROI. Advertiser System 0100 can utilize statistical
sampling methodology well known to those with ordinary skill in the
art to determine if the difference in ROI due to Media Device A
6810 is statistically significant, because Sample Group A and
Sample Group B view the same Advertisement 6800, Sample Group A and
Sample Group B are statistically similar, and Sample Group A and
Sample Group B view the same Advertisement 6800 on the same Media
Devices except that Sample Group A viewed Advertisement 6800 on an
additional Media Device A 6810. In another embodiment, the present
method can calculate the ROI of Advertisement 6800 transmitted to
Sample Group A viewing the Advertisement on Media Device A 6810,
calculate the ROI of Advertisement 6800 transmitted to Sample Group
B viewing the Advertisement on Media Device B 6820, and measure the
difference in ROI.
4.2.4 EXAMPLE
[0974] FIG. 69 depicts an architecture of the DAPM in the case of
producing one Advertisement for transmission to a Television 0304
or Personal Computer 0308, according to embodiments of the present
invention. While FIG. 69 describes the DAPM in the case of
producing an unique Advertisement for transmission to a Television
0304 or Personal Computer 0308, the present invention can apply the
DAPM system, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products to
any Media Device, including, but not limited to: Radio 0306,
Outdoor Media Device 0310, Magazine or Newspaper 0312, Product
Package 0314, and/or Other Wireless Device 0316. The DAPM for
producing one Advertisement for transmission to Televisions or
Personal Computers is similar to the DAPM for producing one
Advertisement for transmission to Wireless Devices, except for the
following key ways.
[0975] The DAPM can produce an unique Advertisement for
transmission to a Television 0304, Personal Computer 0308, or any
other Media Device 0110 viewed by a given user of Wireless Device
0120, as long as the user can transmit and/or receive Static
Information, Dynamic Information, and/or Feedback Information with
the Television 0304, Personal Computer 0308, or any other Media
Device 0110. The user can transmit and/or receive such information
through the MMCMS as illustrated in FIG. 4 and described in the
specification associated with FIG. 4.
[0976] In the case of applying the DAPM to the transmission of an
unique Advertisement to a Media Device 0110 rather than directly to
a Wireless Device, Static Information 6930 can differ from Static
Information 5730 and Dynamic Information 6932 can differ from
Dynamic Information 5732. Static Information 6930 can incorporate
Static Information about not only a Wireless Device 0120, but also
the Media Device 0110 viewed by a given user of Wireless Device
0120. Dynamic Information 6932 can incorporate Dynamic Information
about not only a Wireless Device 0120, but also the Media Device
0110 viewed by a given user of Wireless Device 0120. Feedback
Information 6960 can incorporate Feedback Information from not only
a Wireless Device 0120, but also the Media Device 0110 viewed by a
given user of Wireless Device 0120.
[0977] For example, in FIG. 69, Advertiser System 0100 can retrieve
Static Information 6930 and/or Dynamic Information 6932 from a
given user of Wireless Device 5750, who is viewing Device 6950,
which can be a Television 0304, Personal Computer 0308, or any
other device. If the user can transmit and/or receive Static
Information 6930 and/or Dynamic Information 6932 through any wired
and/or wireless means, Advertiser System 0100 can retrieve the
information to incorporate in the production of Initial
Advertisement 1 6942 and Initial Advertisement n 6944 and then
process the same steps as illustrated in FIG. 57 and described in
the specification associated with FIG. 57.
[0978] Wireless Device 5750 can transmit Static Information 6930,
Dynamic Information 6932, Feedback Information 6960, and/or any
other communication to Device 6950 in a variety of ways, including,
but not limited to, the following means: utilizing an Antenna
utilizing Bluetooth or any other short-range wireless protocol;
utilizing a Synchronization Device; utilizing an Infrared Device;
and/or utilizing a RFID Device, including any RFID Device or other
device that can support NFC or any comparable standard enabling
short-range communication. All of these processes and devices for
exchanging data between two devices are well known to those with
ordinary skill in the art.
[0979] Wireless Device 5750 should establish a connection utilizing
any of the above means with Device 6950 to exchange data between
the devices. After establishing the connection, Wireless Device
5750 can transmit a message to Device 6950 indicating that Wireless
Device 5750 user is viewing any content, e.g., an Advertisement, on
Device 6950. Wireless Device 5750 can transmit Static Information
6930, Dynamic Information 6932, and/or Feedback Information 6960 to
Device 6950 for storage and/or processing on a variety of devices,
including, but not limited to: Device 6950, e.g., a STB of a
Television 0304, Memory 0012 of a Personal Computer 0308, and/or
Memory 0012 of any other device; TV Operator or Internet Server
6940; Ad Element Database 5720; Advertiser System 0100; and/or any
Third-Party. Wireless Device 5750 user can terminate the connection
with Device 6950 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited
to: moving to a position out of range of Bluetooth or any other
short-range wireless protocol; disconnecting the Synchronization
Device; moving to a position out of range of the Infrared Device;
and/or moving to a position out of range of the RFID Device,
including any RFID Device or other device that can support NFC or
any comparable standard enabling short-range communication. In
addition, Wireless Device 5750 user can terminate the connection
either permanently or temporarily by initiating or receiving a
voice or data transmission on the Wireless Device that is unrelated
to an Advertisement viewed on Device 6950. The purpose of
terminating the connection in this case is to indicate to
Advertiser System 0100 that the user is not viewing any
Advertisement transmitted during such voice or data
transmission.
[0980] During a typical connection, Wireless Device 5750 user can
view an Advertisement and Wireless Device 5750 can receive the
associated Ad Data Code 0200 while viewing Device 6950. In another
embodiment, Wireless Device 5750 user can view an Advertisement on
Device 6950 and Wireless Device 5750 can receive the associated Ad
Data Code 0200 separately or subsequently. That is, Device 6950 can
store in its Memory 0012 any or all of the Ad Data Code 0200
associated with any Advertisement transmitted after Wireless Device
5750 establishes a connection with Device 6950. The connection can
mark the beginning of the period during which Advertiser System
0100 and/or Device 6950 can assume Wireless Device 5750 user is
viewing any Advertisement on Device 6950. At a regular or other
schedule and before Wireless Device 5750 user terminates the
connection, Device 6950 can transmit any or all of the Ad Data Code
0200 associated with any Advertisement transmitted during the
period.
4.2.5 BENEFITS
[0981] The DAPM can benefit an Advertiser in at least the following
ways. First, the DAPM can produce a unique Advertisement for
transmission to each unique user of Wireless Device 0120 that is
more likely to generate an user response desired by an Advertiser
than producing an Advertisement broadcast to all users. By taking
into account Static Information, Dynamic Information, and/or
Feedback Information, the DAPM can produce a unique Final
Advertisement that is customized for an individual user. Any one
Advertisement transmitted to multiple users is likely to generate a
suboptimal average response, because most users react differently
to the same Advertisement.
[0982] Second, the DAPM can produce a unique Advertisement for
transmission to any Media Device 0110, including, but not limited
to: Wireless Base Station 0302, Television 0304, Radio 0306,
Personal Computer 0308, Outdoor Media Device 0310, Magazine or
Newspaper 0312, Product Package 0314, or Other Wireless Device
0316. FIG. 57 describes how the DAPM can produce a unique
Advertisement customized for a given user of Wireless Device 0120
and FIG. 69 describes how the DAPM can produce a unique
Advertisement customized for a given user of Wireless Device 0120
viewing a Television 0304. However, the DAPM is not limited to
producing unique Advertisements through these two devices. An
Advertiser can apply the DAPM to produce a unique Advertisement
customized for a given user of any device, as long as a given user
of Wireless Device 0120 can transmit and receive Static
Information, Dynamic Information, and/or Feedback Information with
the device.
[0983] Third, the DAPM can generate data showing which Element,
which Version of an Element, and/or which combination of Elements
can generate the most effective response from a given user. Current
approaches of testing an Advertisement among focus groups or in
test markets can only measure what such audiences think of the
Advertisement. These approaches typically do not measure actual
behavior or response to an Advertisement. For example, asking an
user whether he or she would buy a Product after viewing an
Advertisement is generally less reliable than measuring whether the
user actually buys a Product after viewing the Advertisement.
Asking an user for an opinion about an Advertisement can introduce
a variety of biases that do not reflect how an user will actually
respond to the Advertisement.
[0984] There exists current means of measuring the response of a
given user to a unique Advertisement transmitted to the user
through a personal computer. However, these means can measure the
user response only if the user visits an online site of an
Advertiser transmitting the Advertisement. Although users are
increasing their purchases of Products online, users buy the vast
majority of Products at physical retailers. Because the DAPM takes
advantage of the fact that a very high percentage of Wireless
Devices users take the device wherever they go, the present
invention can significantly improve the measurement of actual
behavior or response to many type of Advertisements, including
those transmitted to a personal computer.
[0985] Fourth, the DAPM can quantify the ROI for any given Version
of an Element. FIG. 46 shows an embodiment of a table of how a
given user responds to different Versions of a single Element, in
this case, different celebrity endorsers. Table 5900 compares how a
given user responds to Advertisements with Endorser A, Endorser B,
and Endorser C. Table 5900 lists the number of Advertisements
received by a given user that utilized an Element of celebrity
endorsement and lists how the user responded along each of
Variables 1-14. In this example, the data show that the user is
more responsive to Advertisements featuring Endorser B than
Endorser A or Endorser C. With such data, the DAPM can calculate
the ROI of Advertisements featuring different Versions of Elements,
in general, and different celebrity endorsers, in this example. The
ROI calculation can enable an Advertiser to estimate more
accurately how much additional revenue an Advertisement using a
given celebrity can generate and thus how much an Advertiser should
pay the celebrity.
[0986] Current approaches can enable an Advertiser to determine how
much to pay celebrities for endorsements by considering factors
like audience recognition or sales of other Products featuring the
celebrity. The DAPM can generate data quantifying how users respond
to an Advertisement featuring the celebrity.
[0987] Fifth, the DAPM can enable Advertiser System 0100 to produce
a unique Final Advertisement that reflects the preferences of any
given user for each Element and/or Version of Element. That is, the
DAPM can enable the creation of a HUAP Database. The HUAP Database
can be stored in a variety of locations, including, but not limited
to: Wireless Device 0120, Wireless Operator Server 5740, Ad Element
Database 5720, and/or Advertiser System 0100. The information in
the HUAP Database can be distributed among the locations.
5. EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS
5.1 COMBINATION POWER CHARGER AND AD MEASUREMENT APPARATUS
[0988] FIG. 71 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a
combination power charger and ad measurement apparatus for a
Television STB 0500, according to embodiments of the present
invention. The present invention includes the combination apparatus
to enable simultaneously an user to charge his or her Wireless
Device 0120 and Advertiser System 0100 to transmit Ad Data Code
0200 to Wireless Device 0120. Enabling an user to charge Wireless
Device 0120 by connecting to STB 0500 enables the user to recharge
the device, which many users do often because of the limited
battery storage in most Wireless Devices. In addition, charging
Wireless Device 0120 by connecting to STB 0500 and assuming that
most users carry their Wireless Devices when they move around their
home enables Advertisers to measure when an user is viewing or
hearing Television Advertisements.
[0989] If an user charges Wireless Device 0120 through STB 0500 and
Television 0304 is turned on, the present invention assumes that
the user is viewing or hearing Television programming and/or
Television Advertisements. If an user carries Wireless Device 0120
when he or she leaves the room and Television 0304 still turned on,
the present invention assumes that the user is not viewing or
hearing Television programming and/or Advertisements. If an user
receives an incoming call on Wireless Device 0120, originates an
outgoing call on Wireless Device 0120, or uses Wireless Device 0120
for a data transmission or reception, the user remains in the room
with Television 0304, and Television 0304 is still turned on, the
present invention assumes that the user is not viewing or hearing
Television programming and/or Advertisements.
[0990] STB 0500 can support analog or digital Television. STB 0500
can support Television service distributed through cable,
satellite, broadcast, or any other distribution technology.
[0991] In the preferred embodiment, STB 0500 can include a USB Host
Device 0556 or a hub to provide additional attachment points to the
USB Host Device 0556. In another embodiment, STB 0500 can include
alternative connection interfaces that perform the same or
equivalent functions as USB, including, but not limited to: UART,
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), IEEE 1394, or any future
standard succeeding USB.
[0992] A USB Wireless Device 0326 can utilize a four-conductor
cable: power like VBus 7130, ground like Ground 7132, and two
signal wires for carrying data like D- 7140 and D+ 7142. For
example, the Series B receptacles or Series mini-B receptacles in
USB function as inputs into devices like Wireless Device 0120.
[0993] In the preferred embodiment, Wireless Device 0120 can charge
its battery through VBus 7130 and Ground 7132 and receive an Ad
Data Code 0200 through signal wires like D- 1740 and D+ 1742.
[0994] In the preferred embodiment, an user can charge Wireless
Device 0120 by inserting USB Wireless Device 0326 directly into a
docking station incorporated in STB 0500 that connects to USB Host
Device 0556. In another embodiment, an user can charge Wireless
Device 0120 by connecting a cable from USB Wireless Device 0326 to
USB Host Device 0556.
[0995] To remind the user to reconnect Wireless Device 0120 to USB
Host Device 0556, the present invention includes an alert system
prompting user to reconnect. The alert can include, but is not
limited to: a ringtone or other sound alert reminding user to
reconnect, or a text message to reconnect.
[0996] The present invention can include more than one USB Host
Device 0556 for any given STB 0500. Such capability can enable
several users to charge simultaneously their respective Wireless
Device 0120 and view programming and/or Advertisements on the same
Television 0304. Such capability can enable Advertiser System 0100
to measure if more than one user is watching the same programming
and/or Advertisements on the same Television 0304.
[0997] Attached hereto is an Appendix that describes additional
embodiments of the invention.
6. CONCLUSION
[0998] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be
apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various
changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and
scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only
in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
[0999] The present application includes headings herein for
reference and to aid in locating certain sections. The present
application does not intend these headings to limit the scope of
the concepts described therein. The present application may apply
the concepts in other sections throughout the entire
specification.
[1000] While the present application describes how to format data,
assign names to variables, and assign names to values that are
written in the English language, the data, variables, and values
can be written in alternative languages. The present invention can
include modification of the systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or
computer program products to operate with data, variables, and
values in languages different from English.
[1001] The present application provides the previous description of
the disclosed embodiments to enable any person skilled in the art
to make and use the present invention. Various modifications to
these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art. The present invention may apply the generic principles defined
herein to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or
scope of the invention. Thus, the present application does not
intend to limit the present invention to the embodiments shown
herein, but accords the widest scope consistent with the principles
and novel features disclosed herein.
[1002] Reference to "invention" herein refers to one or more
embodiments. The phrase "present invention" is not intended to
limit the scope of the claims to the description following the
phrase.
APPENDIX
[1003] Appendix A teaches one embodiment of the present invention,
which can measure if an user of a Media Device 0110, e.g., Personal
Computer 0308 or Television 0304, views an Advertisement and buys
in any Retailer the Product promoted in such Advertisement and test
the effect of any independent variable, e.g., an Element of the
Advertisement, on ROI of the Advertisement.
A.1 Overview of Exemplary Implementation of Invention
[1004] The system can have four major sets of components: [1005] 1.
Components that can measure if a panel member views an
Advertisement on any Media Device 0110. [1006] 2. Components that
can measure if a panel member buys a Product promoted in such
Advertisement. [1007] 3. Components that can search for a match
between the Advertisements viewed and the Products purchased.
[1008] 4. Components that can test and analyze the data to generate
information enabling an Advertiser to evaluate the effectiveness of
an Advertisement.
[1009] While the system in the present embodiment can measure if an
user of a Personal Computer 0308 or Television 0304 views an
Advertisement and buys in any retail channel the Product promoted
in such Advertisement, the present system can apply such
measurement to any Media Device 0110.
[1010] The present system can utilize an Unique WD Code 4910 and/or
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 to identify uniquely a panel member
when he/she views an Advertisement and/or buys the Product promoted
in such Advertisement. The present system can associate an Unique
WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code 5110 with an Ad Data
Code 0200 describing any Advertisement viewed by a user on a
Personal Computer 0308 or Television 0304. The present system can
search for an Unique WD Code 4910 and/or Existing Unique ID Code
5110 in any Transaction Database 1452, Customer Database 1454,
and/or Other Database 4412, which contains records of transactions
collected by the company transmitting such Advertisement or an
affiliate of such company. While the present embodiment describes
primarily the utilization of an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, the
present invention can utilize an Unique WD Code 4910 or any other
code where it can utilize an Existing Unique ID Code 5110.
A.2 Overall System of Exemplary Implementation
A.2.1 Architecture
[1011] FIG. 72 depicts a functional block diagram of the components
enabling an Advertiser to measure if an Internet Advertisement
viewed by a user on a Personal Computer 0308 or Television 0304
leads to a sale in a Retailer. While the present invention
describes a Television 0304, any Advertisement, Ad Data Code 0200,
and/or computer program product transmitted to and/or received from
a Television 0304 would actually be transmitted to and/or received
from a STB 0500 through a wired (e.g., cable television system) or
wireless (e.g., satellite broadcast system) operator.
A.2.2 Method
[1012] FIG. 73 depicts a flowchart of one or more steps that can
implement an exemplary Method 7300 enabling such measurement. The
present invention can implement the Method 7300 by executing a
subset of the steps, executing the steps in different order, and/or
executing other or additional related or equivalent steps.
[1013] The system can generate for any given Advertisement the
following data: (1) the number of any given Advertisements
transmitted to any given Media Device 0110 ("ROI Denominator"); and
(2) the number of transactions involving the Product promoted in
such Advertisement ("ROI Numerator"). The data can enable an
Advertiser to:
[1014] 1. ROI Calculation. Calculate the percent of Advertisements
leading to the sale of the Product promoted in such Advertisement
or ROI; and
[1015] 2. Creative Effectiveness Measurement. Determine which
elements of an Advertisement and/or which versions of an element
can generate the highest ROI.
[1016] The system can enable an Advertiser to make the ROI
Calculation as depicted in Method 7300.
[1017] The system can enable an Advertiser to measure Creative
Effectiveness by comparing the ROI of two sample groups that are
statistically similar, each of which view an Advertisement that is
the same in every respect except the independent variable. The
independent variable is anything of which an Advertiser wants to
test the effectiveness. The independent variable can be any feature
of an Advertisement, including, but not limited to: the text of the
message, the voice communicating the message, the presence or
absence of humor, the authority endorsing the product, branding or
transaction, the images or videos of the Advertisement, the
background music, color or black-and-white, and/or the pricing of
the product.
[1018] For example, an Advertiser can test the effectiveness of
different authorities endorsing the product. The Advertiser can
send the same Advertisement to two sample groups, except the first
Advertisement includes an endorsement by a scientific publication,
e.g., a specific medical journal, while the second Advertisement
includes an endorsement by a celebrity, e.g., a famous doctor.
[1019] In another example, an Advertiser can test the effectiveness
of a branding versus a transaction message. A branding message aims
to educate a consumer about the benefits of a product without
attempting to motivate the consumer to buy the product immediately.
A transaction message aims to motive the consumer to buy the
product immediately, e.g., "Buy this product before midnight,
tomorrow!" The system can enable an Advertiser to measure the
effectiveness of the branding message by comparing the ROI over a
long time period, e.g., 6 months or 1 year, of two sample groups
where the first sample group views both a transaction message and a
branding message while the second sample group views only the
transaction message. An Advertiser can reasonably attribute any
statistically significant difference in ROI between the two sample
groups to the branding message.
[1020] The system can enable: (1) the distributed generation and
collection of data necessary for ROI Calculation and Creative
Effectiveness Measurement; and (2) the distributed and/or
centralized analysis of such data. The generation and collection of
data needed for ROI Calculation and Creative Effectiveness
Measurement can occur at any Media Device 0110 and any Retailer
Server 0140. The analysis of such data can occur at one or more
devices to which an Advertiser can access, including servers
transmitting over any network Advertisements from the Advertiser,
e.g., an Advertiser System 0100, and/or servers to which an
individual can input an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 of a panel
member, e.g., a Customer Database 1454.
[1021] The system assumes that the party transmitting an
Advertisement and manufacturing the product promoted in the
Advertisement can be the same party ("Advertiser/Manufacturer").
The system assumes that the party transmitting an Advertisement and
selling the product promoted in the Advertisement can be the same
party ("Advertiser/Retailer"), e.g., an automobile dealer
transmitting an Advertisement promoting automobiles at its
dealership. The present invention assumes that any functional
capabilities enabled for a system measuring Advertisement ROI for
an Advertiser/Manufacturer are applicable to a system measuring
Advertisement ROI for an Advertiser/Retailer.
[1022] The Advertiser/Manufacturer can distribute its product to
any Retailer, which is an entity that can sell the product directly
to the customer. A Retailer can include, but is not limited to: a
party operated by the Advertiser/Manufacturer, e.g., a store
operated by a vendor that sells its products; a party not operated
by the Advertiser/Manufacturer but sells exclusively products of
the Advertiser/Manufacturer, e.g., a franchisee like a restaurant
chain store not owned and operated by such restaurant chain or a
dealer like an automobile dealer not owned and operated by the
automobile manufacturer; or a party not operated by the
Advertiser/Manufacturer that sells a variety of products, including
those of the Advertiser/Manufacturer, e.g., a supermarket,
drugstore, or mass merchandiser ("Independent Retailer"). A
Retailer can sell the product through any retail channel,
including, but not limited to: a physical store, an online store, a
phone order, and/or a mail order.
[1023] There are two classes of users of the system. [1024] 1.
Panel Members. There are individuals who are members of a sample
group panel who can download software, install software into any
device that can receive and display an Advertisement, which can
include, but is not limited to: their Wireless Devices 0120,
Personal Computers 0308, STB 0500, and/or any other Media Device
0110. In addition, the panel members can input data, e.g., an
Existing Unique ID Code 5110, into these Media Devices 0110. The
panel members should be a representative sample of viewers and
consumers targeted by one or more Advertisers. [1025] 2.
Advertiser/Retailer Technical Personnel. There are individuals
working at an Advertiser and/or Retailer who can produce an Ad Data
Code 0200 (which can be in the form of a cookie), download
software, install software into an Advertiser System 0100, Web
database, customer database, and/or transaction database, and
analyze data and reports generated by the system. A.2.3
Formats/Interfaces
[1026] Inputting Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 accurately into
Media Devices 0110 can enable an Advertiser to match Advertisements
viewed with products bought by the same individual. The system can
enable a panel member to input an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 in a
variety of ways, including, but not limited to: (a) typing an
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 into a Media Device 0110 through its
keyboard or keypad; (b) keying an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 into
a Media Device 0110 through a wireless input device like a TV
remote control device; (c) orally inputting an Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 into a Media Device 0100 by speaking the data
constituting such Existing Unique ID Code 5110 through a
microphone, e.g., Microphone 0328; (d) orally inputting an Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 into a wired or wireless phone transmitted to a
third party, which can convert such voice signals to data
constituting such Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and transmit such
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 to a Media Device 0110; and (e) using
a Camera 0332--either attached to, integrated with, or separate
from a Wireless Device 0120--to take a picture of an image that
includes an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, e.g., a barcode on a
shopper loyalty member card, convert such image, e.g., barcode,
into data constituting an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, and
transmit such data to a Media Device 0110.
[1027] The system can support the inputting of Existing Unique ID
Codes 5110 into any Media Device 0110, in particular, a Personal
Computer 0308, STB 0500, or Wireless Device 0120. Therefore, the
system can support the particular graphical user interface (GUI)
and display size limitations for each corresponding Media Device
0110.
[1028] The system can support the data formats utilized by any
Media Device 0110 or device at an Advertiser or Retailer. [1029] Ad
Data Code. An Advertiser can produce and transmit an Ad Data Code
0200 in any format. In the preferred embodiment, the Ad Data Code
0200 can have the same alphanumeric format as a regular cookie
file. In another embodiment, the Ad Data Code 0200 can include one
or more data in a non-text format. For example, an
Advertiser/Manufacturer can identify a given product by a
proprietary or standard code, e.g., the UPC, the EAN, and/or the
GTIN. An Advertiser/Manufacturer can represent such code in formats
other than alphanumeric, e.g., a barcode or other image. An Ad Data
Code can include one or more data in such non-alphanumeric formats.
[1030] Local PC Program. The system can support a program written
in any language that can be executed by a Personal Computer 0308.
[1031] Local STB Program. The system can support a program written
in any language that can be executed by a STB 0500. [1032] Local WD
Program. The system can support a program written in any language
that can be executed by a Wireless Device 0120. [1033] Panel List
Program. The system can support a program written in any language
that can be executed by a Personal Computer 0308. [1034] Web Server
Program. The system can support a program written in any language
that can be executed by an Advertiser System 0100. [1035] Web DB
Program. The system can support a program that can input, output,
exchange, and process data with any database utilized by an
Advertiser, in particular, a web server database. [1036] Customer
DB Program. The system can support a program that can input,
output, exchange, and process data with any database utilized by an
Advertiser, in particular, a customer/transaction database. [1037]
Match Program. The system can support a program written in any
language that can be executed by one or more servers that can
search any database utilized by an Advertiser, match data retrieved
from such database, and analyze such data. [1038] Analysis Program.
The system can support a program written in any language that can
be executed by one or more servers that can measure the ROI of
different advertisements. [1039] Existing Unique ID Code. The
system can produce and exchange an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 in
any format, but preferably the same text format as an Ad Data Code
0200. The computer program product with the functionality of Local
PC Program and/or Local STB Program at any given Media Device 0110
can associate at such Media Device 0110 an Existing Unique ID Code
5110 with an Ad Data Code 0200. However, the system can support any
other means of enabling an Advertiser to determine if a panel
member with a given Existing Unique ID Code 5110 viewed an
Advertisement with a given Ad Data Code 0200, including, but not
limited to: inserting the data in an Existing Unique ID Code 5110
into any field of an Ad Data Code 0200; or transmitting an Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 to an Advertiser separately from an Ad Data
Code 0200 and associating the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad
Data Code 0200 at the Advertiser System 0100. [1040] Panel List.
The system can support the production and transmission of a file
including data describing panel members ("Panel List") in a data
format that can be parsed by any database, in particular, a web
server database or a customer/transaction database. A.3 Measurement
of Advertisement Viewed
[1041] The system can enable the generation and collection of data
necessary for ROI Calculation and Creative Effectiveness
Measurement at any Media Device 0110, e.g., a Personal Computer
0308 and/or STB 0500.
A.3.1 PC Advertisement Measurement
[1042] The system can include a PC Advertisement Measurement Module
(PAMM), which can include any component needed to measure if a
panel member views an Internet Advertisement on a Personal Computer
0308. See FIG. 74 for a diagram illustrating the different
components and their location.
[1043] The PAMM can include the following components:
A.3.1.1 Local WD Program
A.3.1.1.1 Description
[1044] The Local WD Program 7410 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium having
computer program logic recorded in such medium loaded into a
Wireless Device 0120. The program can enable the inputting to a
Wireless Device 0120 of data that can represent an Existing Unique
ID Code 5110 for transfer to a Media Device 0110, where another
computer program product with the functionality of Local PC Program
and/or Local STB Program can associate such Existing Unique ID Code
5110 with an Ad Data Code 0200 received from an Advertiser. In
another embodiment, the program can enable the inputting to a
Wireless Device 0120 of data that can represent an Existing Unique
IID Code 5110, which such program can associate such Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 with an Ad Data Code 0200 received from an
Advertiser. In another embodiment, the Local WD Program 7410 can
enable the capturing by a component of such Wireless Device 0120,
e.g., Camera 0332, of such data.
[1045] The program can enable a user of the Wireless Device 0120 in
which the program is installed to input into the Wireless Device
0120 through the keypad or touch-sensitive display data that can
represent an Existing Unique ID Code 5110. In another embodiment,
the program can enable such user to input into the Wireless Device
0120 through any means, including, but not limited to, voice or
handwriting, data that can represent an Existing Unique ID Code
5110. In another embodiment, the program can enable such user to
take a picture using a camera--attached to, integrated with, or
separate from a wireless phone--of any image containing data that
can represent an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, e.g., a check or a
shopper loyalty ID card. After receiving such data, the Local WD
Program 7410 can convert such data to a standard format that can be
processed by a computer program product located at the Advertiser
System 0100 or Third Party Server 0150. Local WD Program 7410 can
store such data in memory until the user of the Wireless Device
0120 moves such device within transmission range of a Media Device
0110 to which the program can transmit such data.
A.3.1.1.2 Inputs
[1046] The inputs into Local WD Program 7410 can include data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and/or an Ad Data Code
0200. [1047] Data Source. The program can receive such data from a
user of the Wireless Device 0120. [1048] User Interface. The
program can enable a user of the Wireless Device 0120 to input data
by typing a keypad or using a finger or pointing device on a
touch-sensitive display. [1049] User Interface Elements. The
program can include fields in which the user can input alphanumeric
characters. [1050] Allowable Data Types. The program can enable the
input of alphanumeric characters or any other data representing an
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and/or an Ad Data Code 0200. A.3.1.1.3
Processing
[1051] The Local WD Program 7410 can process the inputs by
converting the data to a standard format that can be processed by a
computer program product located at the Advertiser System 0100 or
Third Party Server 0150. In the preferred embodiment, the standard
format can be the same format as that used by any Retailer database
containing records of customers ("Retailer Customer Database")
1454. Converting such data to the Retailer Customer Database 1454
format would simplify the searching, parsing, and matching of such
data in other modules. In another embodiment, other computer
program products, e.g., Local PC Program 7420, Local STB Program
7430, or Web DB Program 7450, can convert such data to the Retailer
Customer Database 1454 format. After such conversion, the Local WD
Program 7410 can then write the data into memory.
A.3.1.1.4 Outputs
[1052] The outputs from Local WD Program 7410 can include a file
containing data representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110.
[1053] Data Destination. The program can transmit over any network
such file to any Media Device 0110. In the preferred embodiment in
this section, the Local WD Program 7410 can transmit over any
network such file to Local PC Program 7420. In another embodiment,
the Local WD Program 7410 can associate such Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 with an Ad Data Code 0200 received from an Advertiser and
transmit over any network such associated Existing Unique ID Code
5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 to the Advertiser System 0100 which
transmitted the Ad Data Code 0200. A.3.1.2 Local PC Program
A.3.1.2.1 Description
[1054] The Local PC Program 7420 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium having
computer program logic recorded in such medium loaded into a
Personal Computer 0308. The program can execute a variety of
functions, including, but not limited to: the inputting to a
Personal Computer 0308 of data that can represent an Existing
Unique ID Code 5110, the association of such Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 with an Ad Data Code 0200 received from an Advertiser,
and/or the transmission of the associated Existing Unique ID Code
5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 to an Advertiser System 0100.
A.3.1.2.2 Inputs
[1055] The inputs into Local PC Program 7420 can include data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and any Ad Data Code
0200. [1056] Data Source: Existing Unique ID Code. The program can
receive: (1) a file containing data representing an Existing Unique
ID Code 5110 from a Wireless Device 0120; and/or (2) data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 from a user of a
Personal Computer 0308. [1057] Data Source: Ad Data Code. The
program can receive any Ad Data Code 0200 from an Advertiser System
0100. The program supports the reception of an Advertisement and/or
Ad Data Code 0200 from an Advertiser System 0100 to a Personal
Computer 0308 over any protocol, including, but not limited to:
HTTP; or any proprietary protocol. [1058] User Interface. The
program can enable a user of the Personal Computer 0308 to input
data through any means, including, but not limited to: typing a
keyboard, touching a touch-sensitive display, speaking to a
microphone, and/or writing by hand on a display. [1059] User
Interface Elements. The program can include fields in which the
user can input alphanumeric characters. [1060] Allowable Data
Types. The program can enable the input of alphanumeric characters
or any other data representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110
and/or an Ad Data Code 0200. A.3.1.2.3 Processing
[1061] The Local PC Program 7420 can process the data representing
an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 by converting the data to a
standard format that can be processed by a computer program product
located at the Advertiser System 0100 or Third Party Server 0150.
In the preferred embodiment, the standard format can be the same
format as that used by a Retailer Customer Database 1454.
Converting such data to the Retailer Customer Database 1454 format
would simplify the searching, parsing, and matching of such data in
other modules. In another embodiment, other computer program
products, e.g., Web DB Program 7450, can convert such data to the
Retailer Customer Database 1454 format. After such conversion, the
Local PC Program 7420 can then write the data into memory.
[1062] The Local PC Program 7420 can process any Ad Data Code 0200
by associating such Ad Data Code 0200 with the Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 stored in memory. The program can make such association
through any means, including, but not limited to: appending the
file containing the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 to the file
containing the Ad Data Code 0200, or writing the data representing
the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 into a field of the Ad Data Code
0200.
[1063] The program can transmit over any network the associated
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 to the
Advertiser System 0100 which transmitted the Ad Data Code 0200. In
another embodiment, the program can transmit over any network the
associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 to
the Third Party Server 0150.
A.3.1.2.4 Outputs
[1064] The outputs from Local PC Program 7420 can include a file
containing the associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data
Code 0200. [1065] Data Destination. The program can transmit over
any network such file to the Advertiser System 0100 which
transmitted the Ad Data Code 0200. The program can determine the
destination address through any means, including, but not limited
to: searching the destination address in the Internet Protocol
header of the Ad Data Code 0200, or searching the Ad Data Code
0200, in which the Advertiser System 0100 could include the
destination address. In another embodiment, the program can
transmit over any network such file to the Third Party Server 0150.
A.3.2 Television Advertisement Measurement
[1066] The system can include a Television Advertisement
Measurement Module (TAMM), which can include any component needed
to measure if a panel member views an Advertisement on a Television
0304. See FIG. 74 for a diagram illustrating the different
components and their location.
[1067] The TAMM can include the following components.
A.3.2.1 Local WD Program
[1068] The Local WD Program 7410 in this section can have the same
functional capabilities as the Local WD Program 7410 described in
the previous section except the following. In the preferred
embodiment in this section, the Local WD Program 7410 can transmit
over any network such file to Local STB Program 7430.
A.3.2.2 Local STB Program
A.3.2.2.1 Description
[1069] The Local STB Program 7430 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium having
computer program logic recorded in such medium loaded into a STB
0500. The program can execute a variety of functions, including,
but not limited to: the inputting to a STB 0500 of data that can
represent an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, the association of such
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 with an Ad Data Code 0200 received
from an Advertiser, and/or the transmission of the associated
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 to an Advertiser
System 0100.
A.3.2.2.2 Inputs
[1070] The inputs into Local STB Program 7430 can include data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and any Ad Data Code
0200. [1071] Data Source: Existing Unique ID Code. The program can
receive: (1) a file containing data representing an Existing Unique
ID Code 5110 from a Wireless Device 0120; and/or (2) data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 from an user of a
Television 0304 through any device that can control a STB 0500,
e.g., a remote control device ("Remote Control"). [1072] Data
Source: Ad Data Code. The program can receive any Ad Data Code
0200: (1) directly from an Advertiser System 0100; (2) indirectly
from an Advertiser System 0100 or any other type of server of any
Advertiser through a server at a head-end of a cable TV system
("Head-End Server") that can retrieve an Advertisement and/or Ad
Data Code 0200 from an Advertiser System 0100 or any other type of
server of any Advertiser; and/or (3) directly from a Head-End
Server 7432 that can distribute an Advertisement and/or Ad Data
Code 0200 to a STB 0500. An Advertiser can transmit an
Advertisement and/or Ad Data Code 0200 to a Head-End Server 7432 in
a variety of ways, including, but not limited to: transmission
through a satellite network, transmission through another type of
wireless network, or transmission through a wired network. The
program supports the reception of an Advertisement and/or Ad Data
Code 0200 from a Head-End Server 7432 to a STB 0500 over any
protocol, including, but not limited to: Data Over Cable Service
Interface Specification (DOCSIS) Set-Top Gateway (DSG); or any
proprietary protocol. [1073] User Interface. The program can enable
an user of the Television 0304 to input data through any means,
including, but not limited to: pressing keys on a Remote Control,
typing a keyboard, touching a touch-sensitive display, speaking to
a microphone, and/or writing by hand on a display. [1074] User
Interface Elements. The program can include fields in which the
user can input alphanumeric characters. [1075] Allowable Data
Types. The program can enable the input of alphanumeric characters
or any other data representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110
and/or an Ad Data Code 0200. A.3.2.2.3 Processing
[1076] The Local STB Program 7430 can process the data representing
an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 by converting the data to a
standard format that can be processed by a computer program product
located at the Advertiser System 0100 or Third Party Server 0150.
In the preferred embodiment, the standard format can be the same
format as that used by a Retailer Customer Database 1454.
Converting such data to the Retailer Customer Database 1454 format
would simplify the searching, parsing, and matching of such data in
other modules. In another embodiment, other computer program
products, e.g., Web DB Program 7450, can convert such data to the
Retailer Customer Database 1454 format. After such conversion, the
Local STB Program 7430 can then write the data into memory.
[1077] The Local STB Program 7430 can call a function in the STB
0500 OS that presents a screen on the Television 0304 display
device to present a series of check boxes, drop down lists, and
alphanumeric fields in which an user of the Television 0304 can
input his/her Existing Unique ID Code 5110. A typical STB 0500 OS
has a library of functions for displaying graphics on a Television
0304 screen. The program can call a function in such library to
present on the Television 0304 screen a graphic designed to enable
an user of the Television 0304 to input his/her Existing Unique ID
Code 5110. The program can read any field identifying the
particular STB 0500 within any given household, e.g., an IP address
identifying such STB 0500. The program can associate such
identifying address with the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 inputted
by the user of such Television 0304. In the preferred embodiment,
an user of a Television 0304 can input his/her Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 through typing the keypad of a Remote Control. In another
embodiment, a user of a Television 0304 can input his/her Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 through any device that can control a STB 0500,
including, but not limited to: a Wireless Device 0120 that contains
the same function as a Remote Control.
[1078] The Local STB Program 7430 can process any Ad Data Code 0200
by associating such Ad Data Code 0200 with the Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 stored in memory. The program can make such association
through any means, including, but not limited to: appending the
file containing the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 to the file
containing the Ad Data Code 0200, or writing the data representing
the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 into a field of the Ad Data Code
0200.
[1079] The program can transmit over any network the associated
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 directly to the
Advertiser System 0100 or indirectly to the Advertiser System 0100
through the Head-End Server 7432. In another embodiment, the
program can transmit over any network the associated Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 to the Third Party Server
0150.
A.3.3.2.4 Outputs
[1080] The outputs from Local STB Program 7430 can include a file
containing the associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data
Code 0200. [1081] Data Destination. The program can transmit over
any network such file to the Advertiser System 0100 which
transmitted the Ad Data Code 0200. The program can determine the
destination address through any means, including, but not limited
to: searching the destination address in the Internet Protocol
header of the Ad Data Code 0200, or searching the Ad Data Code
0200, in which the Advertiser System 0100 could include the
destination address. The program can transmit such file to a
Head-End Server 7432 in a variety of ways, including, but not
limited to: transmission through a satellite network, transmission
through another type of wireless network, or transmission through a
wired network. The program can support the transmission of such
file from a STB 0500 to a Head-End Server 7432 over any protocol,
including, but not limited to: DSG; or any proprietary protocol. In
another embodiment, the program can transmit such file to the Third
Party Server 0150. [1082] Uplink Speed. Most existing cable TV
systems limit the transmission of data from the STB 0500 to the
Head-End Server 7432 to about 15 kbps. Because the transmission of
the associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200
is not time-sensitive, the program can transmit over any network
the associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200
whenever uplink capacity is available. A.3.3 Web Server Program
A.3.3.1 Description
[1083] The Web Server Program 7440 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium having
computer program logic recorded in such medium loaded into a
server, e.g., an Advertiser System 0100. The program can execute a
variety of functions, including, but not limited to: the generation
of an Ad Data Code 0200, the reception of any file containing an
associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200, the
inputting of such file to the memory of the Advertiser System 0100,
the transmission of such file to the Web Server Database 7210,
and/or the reception of a Panel List 7462.
[1084] In another embodiment, the program can enable at the
Advertiser System 0100 the association of an Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 with an Ad Data Code 0200. The program can upload from
the Third Party Server 0150 the Panel List 7462, which can include
an unique address identifying any Media Device 0110 utilized by
each panel member, e.g., an IP address. When the Advertiser System
0100 receives a HTTP request from a Media Device 0110, the
Advertiser System 0100 can compare the IP address included in the
header file of such HTTP request to determine if a Media Device
0110 utilized by a panel member transmitted the HTTP request. If
so, then the Advertiser System 0100 can associate the Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 associated with such IP address with the Ad
Data Code 0200 associated with any Advertisement it transmits to
such Media Device 0110. In this embodiment, the program performs
the same association of an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 with an Ad
Data Code 0200 as Local PC Program 7420 or Local STB Program 7430,
but at the Advertiser System 0100 instead of at a Media Device
0110.
A.3.3.2 Inputs
[1085] The inputs into Web Server Program 7440 can include data
constituting an Ad Data Code 0200 and any file containing an
associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200.
[1086] Data Source: Ad Data Code. The program can receive any data
constituting an Ad Data Code 0200 from a user of the Advertiser
System 0100 on which the program is loaded and/or any other program
containing data that can be inputted into the Ad Data Code 0200.
[1087] User Interface. The program can enable a user of the
Advertiser System 0100 to input data by typing a keyboard. [1088]
Data Source: Existing Unique ID Code & Ad Data Code. The
program can receive any file containing an associated Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 from any Media Device
0110, including, but not limited to: (1) a Personal Computer 0308;
and/or (2) a STB 0500. [1089] Data Source: Panel List. The program
can receive from the Third Party Server 0150 a file containing the
list of Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 of panel members. [1090]
Allowable Data Types. The program can enable the reception of any
file with alphanumeric data or any other data representing an
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and/or an Ad Data Code 0200. A.3.3.3
Processing
[1091] The Web Server Program 7440 can process any file containing
an associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200
by: (1) writing such file to the memory of the Advertiser System
0100 and reading such file from memory for writing to the Web
Server Database 7210; or (2) transferring such file from any type
of memory directly to the Web Server Database 7210.
[1092] The program can process a file containing the list of
Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 of panel members received from the
Third Party Server 0150. The program can generate a list of panel
members to which it can transmit an Advertisement and its
associated Ad Data Code 0200 for the purpose of Creative
Effectiveness Measurement, as described in a later section.
[1093] The program can generate an Ad Data Code 0200, which is any
type of data that can be read by a machine, including, but not
limited to, data: (1) uniquely identifies an Advertisement
transmitted to and displayed on such machine; and/or (2) uniquely
identifies the product promoted in such Advertisement. The data can
include, but are not limited to, the name-value pairs listed in "Ad
Data Code 0200" in FIG. 74.
A.3.3.4 Outputs
[1094] The outputs from Web Server Program 7440 can include a file
containing the associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data
Code 0200. [1095] Data Destination: Ad Data Code. The program can
transmit over any network an Ad Data Code 0200 to any Media Device
0110. [1096] Data Destination: Associated Existing Unique ID Code
and Ad Data Code. The program can transmit over any network a file
containing the associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data
Code 0200 to a Web Server Database 7210 residing on the Advertiser
System 0100, a Database Server located at, co-located with, or
connected to the Advertiser System 0100, or any other server. A.3.4
Web DB Program A.3.4.1 Description
[1097] The Web DB Program 7450 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium having
computer program logic recorded in such medium loaded into a
server, e.g., an Advertiser System 0100, and attached to,
integrated with, or capable of making a call to a Web Server
Database 7210. The program can execute a variety of functions,
including, but not limited to: the reception from an Advertiser
System 0100 of any file containing an associated Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200, the creation of a file structure
for the Web Server Database 7210, the creation of the tables for
the Web Server Database 7210, the population of the Web Server
Database 7210, the writing of data in such file to a new or
existing record for a panel member, the generation of a parse tree
from the file, the updating and/or deletion of records or fields,
the generation of a report containing the records of each panel
member and the Advertisements he/she viewed, the transmission of
such report to the Match Program 7610, the querying of the database
for any Existing Unique ID Code(s) 5110 that match(es) any Existing
Unique ID Code(s) 5110 in a Retailer Customer Database 1454, and/or
the transmission of query results to the Match Program 7610.
A.3.4.2 Inputs
[1098] The inputs into Web DB Program 7450 can include any file
containing an associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data
Code 0200. [1099] Data Source. The program can receive any file
containing an associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data
Code 0200 from any Advertiser System 0100. [1100] Allowable Data
Types. The program can enable the reception of any file with
alphanumeric data or any other data representing an Existing Unique
ID Code 5110 and/or an Ad Data Code 0200. A.3.4.3 Processing
[1101] The Web DB Program 7450 can create a file structure for the
Web Server Database 7210, create the tables for the Web Server
Database 7210, and populate the Web Server Database 7210 with data
from any file containing an associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110
and Ad Data Code 0200.
[1102] The program can organize the Web Server Database 7210 in any
format desired by the Advertiser. For example, the program can
import the data from an associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and
Ad Data Code 0200 to a Specific Advertisement Record 7212, which
can include any and all panel members viewing such specific
Advertisement as identified by their respective Existing Unique ID
Codes 5110. In another embodiment, the program can import the data
from an associated Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code
0200 to a Specific Panel Member Record, which can include any and
all Advertisements viewed by such specific panel member as
identified by the value in the AdIdentifier field in the Ad Data
Code 0200. The program can import the data from an associated
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and Ad Data Code 0200 to any other
record format desired by the Advertiser.
[1103] The program can generate a parse tree or concrete syntax
tree from any file containing an associated Existing Unique ID Code
5110 and Ad Data Code 0200. The Web Server Database 7210 can
classify a product in terms of multiple layers, e.g., a product
type, a brand, a specific product, or a specific model. For
example, an automobile manufacturer can advertise different product
types, e.g., an automobile, a truck, a motorcycle, a credit card,
or a satellite broadcast service; different brands, e.g., within
the automobile product type, brand A, brand B, brand C, or brand D;
different products, e.g., within the brand A, product A, product B,
product C, or product D; or different models, e.g., within the
product A, a two-door sedan, a four-door sedan, or a station wagon.
The program can generate a parse tree to classify any product for
inputting into one or more fields in the Web Server Database
7210.
[1104] The program can update and/or delete any records or values
of any fields. For example, an Advertiser can maintain data
indicating the Advertisements viewed by a panel member for a
certain time period t. After t, the program can delete any Ad Data
Code(s) 0200 associated with such "expired" Advertisement(s).
[1105] The program can call a function in the Web Server Database
7210 to generate a report containing the records of each panel
member and each Advertisement(s) he/she viewed as described by the
associated Ad Data Code 0200 ("Ad Data Code Report"). The program
can transmit such report to the Match Program 7610, which can
search for matches in Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 in both the Ad
Data Code Report 7620 and a report from a Retailer Customer
Database 1454 identifying purchases by panel members. A sample Ad
Data Code Report 7620 can have a format with one or more the
following fields: TABLE-US-00002 Vendor Ad Product Media First
Phone Viewing Identifier ID Channel Name Number Date 000000001
123456789012 PC John 210-123- 2006/06/01 4567 000000001
123456789012 PC Mary 310-123- 2006/06/11 4567 000000001
123456789012 TV Bill 410-123- 2006/06/21 4567
[1106] This sample Ad Data Code Report 7620 includes records of
three panel members, each with an Existing Unique ID Code 5110
comprising a FirstName and a PhoneNumber, who viewed an
Advertisement identified by the AdIdentifier code "000000001" that
promotes a product with a VendorProductID "123456789012".
[1107] In another embodiment, the Web DB Program 7450 can enable
Match Program 7610 to query the Web Server Database 7210 for any
Existing Unique ID Code(s) 5110 that match(es) any Existing Unique
ID Code(s) 5110 in a Retailer Customer Database 1454. If there is a
match of such Existing Unique ID Code(s) 5110 where the associated
product purchase occurs after the associated Advertisement viewing,
an Advertiser can infer some type of relationship between the
Advertisement viewing and the purchase of the product promoted in
such Advertisement.
A.3.4.4 Outputs
[1108] The outputs from Web DB Program 7450 can include a file
containing the results of any query of the Web Server Database
7210. [1109] Data Destination. The program can transmit over any
network such file to the Match Program 7610. A.3.5 Panel List
Program A.3.5.1 Description
[1110] The Panel List Program 7460 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium having
computer program logic recorded in such medium loaded into a
server, e.g., an Third Party Server 0150. The program can execute a
variety of functions, including, but not limited to: the collection
of data over any network from any computer program product that can
collect data about the Advertisements viewed on any Media Device
0110, including, but not limited to: Local WD Program 7410, Local
PC Program 7420, and Local STB Program 7430; and/or the selection
of one or more panel members representative of the population
targeted by any given Advertiser. The system can utilize the data
from Panel List Program 7460 to enable a Retailer Customer Database
1454 to filter customer records to import only those records of
panel members. Such a filter can reduce the amount of data the
Match Program 7610 must search.
A.3.5.2 Inputs
[1111] The inputs into Panel List Program 7460 can include data
representing the Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 of panel members
and/or any data describing the characteristics of panel members,
which would enable the program to select one or more panel members
representative of the population targeted by any given Advertiser
("Panel Member Descriptive Data"). [1112] Data Source: Existing
Unique ID Code. The program can receive: (1) a file containing data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 from a Wireless Device
0120; (2) a file containing data representing an Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 from a STB 0500; and/or (3) a file containing data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 from a Personal
Computer 0308. [1113] Data Source: Local PC Program and/or Local
STB Program. The program can receive from a computer program
product like Local PC Program 7420 or Local STB Program 7430 loaded
into any Media Device 0110, e.g., a Personal Computer 0308 or STB
0500, any Panel Member Descriptive Data. [1114] Data Source: Web
Server Program. The program can receive from an Web Server Program
7440 a request from an Advertiser for a list of panel members
representative of the population targeted by such Advertiser.
[1115] Allowable Data Types. The program can enable the reception,
processing, and transmission of alphanumeric data or any other data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 and/or an Ad Data Code
0200. A.3.5.3 Processing
[1116] The Panel List Program 7460 can process the data
representing the Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 of panel members by
sorting the data to enable a Retailer Customer Database 1454 to use
such data to filter customer records easily.
[1117] The program can receive from any Media Device 0110 any Panel
Member Descriptive Data, receive from an Web Server Program 7440 a
request from an Advertiser for a list of panel members
representative of the population targeted by such Advertiser,
search the Panel List 7462 for such representative panel members,
and generate a list of such representative panel members.
A.3.5.4 Outputs
[1118] The outputs from Panel List Program 7460 can include a file
containing corrected and refined data constituting the Existing
Unique ID Codes 5110 of panel members. [1119] Data Destination:
Panel List. The Third Party Server 0150 can transmit the Panel List
7462 generated by Panel List Program 7460 to a Retailer Customer
Database 1454. The Third Party Server 0150 can transmit a list of
representative panel members to an Analysis Program 7710 to test
the effect of any independent variable of interest to an
Advertiser. A.4 Measurement of Product Purchase
[1120] The system can enable the generation and collection of data
necessary for ROI Calculation and Creative Effectiveness
Measurement at any Media Device 0110. In the preferred embodiment,
the system can enable the generation of ROI Numerator data at and
collection of ROI Numerator data from devices at a Retailer
Customer Database 1454. See FIG. 75 for a diagram illustrating the
different components of the system components measuring the
purchase of a product promoted in an Advertisement.
A.4.1 Customer DB Program
A.4.1.1 Description
[1121] The Customer DB Program 7510 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium having
computer program logic recorded in such medium loaded into a
server, e.g., a Retailer Server 0140, and attached to, integrated
with, or capable of making a call to a Retailer Customer Database
1454. The program can execute a variety of functions, including,
but not limited to: the reception from the Third Party Server 0150
a Panel List 7462, the querying of a Retailer Customer Database
1454 for any record of a customer with an Existing Unique ID Code
5110 matching an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 from the Panel List
7462, the generation of a report of records with such matching
Existing Unique ID Codes 5110, and/or the transmission of such
records to the Match Program 7610.
[1122] The program can be loaded into one or more Retailer Servers
0140, which can collectively store the records of any customer
buying a product of the Advertiser/Manufacturer. There are a
variety of ways of generating a report of records with matching
Existing Unique ID Codes 5110, including, but not limited to:
[1123] Query the Retailer Customer Database of each Retailer
Server. If an Advertiser/Manufacturer has a network of many
Retailers, e.g., an automobile manufacturer with thousands of
automobile dealers, one method of generating a report of records of
matching Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 is to load the Customer DB
Program 7510 into the Retailer Server 0140 of each of the
Retailers, query the Retailer Customer Database 1454 of each of
those Retailers, and then transmit a report of records with such
matching Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 to the Match Program 7610.
[1124] Query the Retailer Customer Database of the
Advertiser/Manufacturer. Another method of generating a report of
records of matching Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 is to load the
Customer DB Program 7510 into the Retailer Server 0140 of the
Advertiser/Manufacturer, which can contain the data on customers
and customer transactions from one or more, if not all, of its
Retailers, query the Retailer Customer Database 1454 of the
Advertiser/Manufacturer, and then transmit a report of records with
such matching Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 to the Match Program
7610.
[1125] In another embodiment, the Customer DB Program 7510 can
transmit a copy of the entire Retailer Customer Database 1454 to an
Advertiser and/or Third Party Server 0150, either of which can
query such database for any record of a customer with an Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 matching an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 from
the Panel List 7462, generate a report of records with such
matching Existing Unique ID Codes 5110, and transmit such records
to the Match Program 7610. In the preferred embodiment, the present
invention can query the Retailer Customer Database 1454 at the
Retailer Server 0140, because queries at the Retailer Server 0140
will: (1) consume less communication bandwidth; and (2) cause fewer
customer privacy problems. In the present embodiment, a panel
member can agree to participate in a sample group only after
opting-in, i.e., giving permission for an Advertiser, a Retailer,
and a third party to collect information about the Advertisements
viewed by such panel member and/or the products purchased by such
panel member. The other embodiment would result in the transmission
to an Advertiser or a third party of records of customers who are
not panel members who have opted-in and therefore could violate the
privacy policies of a Retailer.
[1126] A typical Retailer Customer Database 1454 is the database
operated by any business, including, but not limited to, a
manufacturer, distributor, dealer, or Retailer, for the purpose of
storing data about a customer. While different Retailers may use
different names to identify the Retailer Customer Database 1454,
e.g., Member Database, Transaction Database, or Inventory Database,
the system defines any database operated by any business which
stores data about a customer as a Retailer Customer Database
1454.
[1127] In the case of an Advertiser/Manufacturer which sells its
products directly to a customer, e.g., through its own web site or
physical store, it can record in a Retailer Customer Database 1454
any data on the transactions executed by its customers. In
addition, such an Advertiser/Manufacturer can record in a Retailer
Customer Database 1454 any data on the transactions executed by
customers of a distributor, dealer, Retailer, or other third party
whose customer database it can access. For example, an automobile
manufacturer can operate a Retailer Customer Database 1454 that
contains data on transactions executed through its own web site,
the web site of its dealers, and/or the physical stores of its
dealers.
[1128] Such a database can include one or more fields for each
record that contain data about a given customer. There exist a
minimum number of fields, whose values can collectively and
uniquely identify a given customer. For example, there exists a low
probability that there are two or more customers with the same last
name, first name, street address, and zip code. In another example,
there exist a low probability that there are two or more customers
with the same first name and wired phone number. In another
example, there exists an almost zero probability that there are two
or more customers with the same wireless phone number. In another
example, there exists a very low probability that there are two or
more customers with the same email address. The system defines the
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 to include at least the values in a
minimum number of fields needed to identify uniquely a given
customer. While Existing Unique ID Code 5110 can include more data
than necessary to identify uniquely a given customer, it must
include at least the minimum data needed to identify uniquely such
customer.
[1129] The system does not require an Existing Unique ID Code 5110
to contain the full value of any given field in the Retailer
Customer Database 1454. A collection of subsets of values of one or
more fields can enable an Advertiser to identify uniquely a given
customer. For example, the combination of the first name, the last
four digits of a wired phone number, and a zip code can generate an
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 that has a high probability of
uniquely identifying a given customer.
[1130] A typical Retailer Customer Database 1454 includes one or
more fields that contain data about a customer and any product(s)
purchased by a given customer. The fields are typically indexed to
enable a variety of functions, including, but not limited to,
instant lookup, and sorting. The fields can vary depending on a
variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the industry and
the vendor of the database application. The fields can include, but
are not limited to, the following variables: TABLE-US-00003 Field
Data Type Data Format Customer Number Integer (assigned by
database) Customer identifying data Last Name Alphabetical
characters First Name Alphabetical characters Street Address
Alphanumeric characters Zip Code Alphanumeric characters XXXXX-XXXX
Wired Number Integer XXX-XXX-XXXX Wireless Number Integer
XXX-XXX-XXXX Email Address Alphanumeric characters XXX@XXX.XXX IM
Address Alphanumeric characters Brand Name Alphanumeric characters
Product Name Alphanumeric characters Product ID Internal ID
Alphanumeric characters UPC/EAN/GTIN or Integer/Barcode/Other
XXXXXXXXXXXX other standard ID Product Description Weight Integer
Dimension Integer HH .times. LL .times. WW Color Alphabetical
characters Other variables Unit Price Integer $XXXXX.XX Transaction
Amount Integer $XXXXX.XX Retail Channel Physical Store Online Store
Manufacturer Retailer Third party Phone Mail Order Related Product
Purchase Payment Method Alphabetical characters Cash Credit Card
Integer xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx Debit Card Integer xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx
Check Integer Purchase Date Integer YYYY/DD/MM Purchase Time
Integer HH/SS/SS
[1131] In a typical Retailer Customer Database 1454, the
application can record a purchase by an existing customer in a
variety of ways, including, but not limited to: creating a new
record for such transaction, or creating a field for additional
products purchased by an existing customer.
[1132] In a typical Retailer Customer Database 1454, the
application can record a purchase by a customer of products related
to the product sold by an Advertiser/Manufacturer. These related
products can include, but are not limited to: any goods bought by
the customer after buying the original product, e.g., parts or
accessories, or any services bought by the customer after buying
the original product, e.g., warranties, insurance, or repair. In
the case of an automobile Advertiser/Manufacturer, a Retailer
Customer Database 1454 can record purchases by a customer of an
automobile of related products, e.g., auto parts, auto accessories,
or service contracts.
[1133] In a typical Retailer Customer Database 1454, the
application can include additional fields that contain data about
actions by customers short of or related to buying a product. For
example, a customer can: (1) purchase a product but return it; (2)
apply for financing to purchase a product, but not purchase the
product; (3) fill out an application to purchase a product, but not
purchase the product, e.g., such an incomplete application can
include, but is not limited to, an application to purchase the
product online, in a physical store, or on the phone; (4) request
and receive information about a product without purchasing the
product; and/or (5) call, email, mail, visit the web site of, visit
a physical store of, or otherwise contact the
Advertiser/Manufacturer without purchasing the product. The
application can include fields that contain data about such
actions.
[1134] In a typical Retailer Customer Database 1454, the
application can record the type of retail channel through which a
customer bought any given product. These retail channels can
include, but are not limited to: a physical store, an online store
(either that of an Advertiser/Manufacturer, a Retailer, or a
third-party), a phone order, and/or a mail order.
[1135] The system can enable an Advertiser to access the Retailer
Customer Database 1454 in a variety of ways, including, but not
limited to: [1136] 1. In the preferred embodiment, the
Advertiser/Manufacturer and Retailer can share direct access to the
Retailer Customer Database 1454. The database can be located on a
server operated by the Advertiser/Manufacturer, the Retailer, or a
third party. [1137] 2. In another embodiment, the
Advertiser/Manufacturer can access the Retailer Customer Database
1454 by having a program in such database automatically transmit a
report over a network. [1138] 3. In another embodiment, the
Advertiser/Manufacturer can access the data in the Retailer
Customer Database 1454 by having a user of such database manually
transmit a report through devices like a fax machine.
[1139] The Retailer Customer Database 1454 can be centralized at
one server or distributed among multiple servers. For example, the
Retailer Customer Database 1454 can be distributed among one or
more servers operated by the Advertiser/Manufacturer, one or more
servers operated by the Retailer, and/or one or more servers
operated by a party financing the purchase of the product, e.g., a
Finance Server 7242. The servers can handle a variety of functions
related to the database, including, but not limited to: client
requests, report generation, and/or applications processing.
[1140] Where an Independent Retailer operates the Retailer Customer
Database 1454, many Independent Retailers allow their suppliers, in
this case, an Advertiser/Manufacturer, to access directly certain
data in such database to enable them to replenish inventory at such
Retailer. An user at its suppliers can utilize any web-based client
to access such data in real-time.
A.4.1.2 Inputs
[1141] The inputs into Customer DB Program 7510 can include any of
the following. [1142] Data Source: Retailer Customer Database. The
program can receive from a Retailer Customer Database 1454 a report
containing the records of those customers with an Existing Unique
ID Code 5110 that matches an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 of any
panel member ("Matching ID Code Report"). [1143] Data Source: Panel
List. The program can receive from an Third Party Server 0150 a
file containing the list of Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 of panel
members. [1144] Allowable Data Types. The program can enable the
reception of any file with alphanumeric data or any other data
representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, an Ad Data Code 0200,
and/or a product ID. A.4.1.3 Processing
[1145] The Customer DB Program 7510 can call a function in the
Retailer Customer Database 1454 to search one or more fields that
include values which collectively constitute the Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 of any panel member, which the program can call from the
Panel List 7462. The program can search for one or more Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 types. For example, the Panel List 7462 can
include some panel members with an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 of
the last name, first name, street address, and zip code and other
panel members with a wireless phone number. The Panel List 7462 may
have such different Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 because panel
members can supply an Advertiser or Third Party different or
incomplete information. In this case, the Customer DB Program 7510
can search the Retailer Customer Database 1454 for Existing Unique
ID Codes 5110 that match different Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 in
the Panel List 7462. For example, the program can search the
Retailer Customer Database 1454 a first time for any Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 that matches an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 in
the Panel List 7462 in the format of last name, first name, street
address, and zip code and a second time for any Existing Unique ID
Code 5110 that matches an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 in the Panel
List 7462 in the format of a wireless phone number.
[1146] The program can call a function in the Retailer Customer
Database 1454 to generate a Matching ID Code Report 7630. A typical
database application includes one or more functions enabling a user
to generate a report in any format desired by the user of such
database.
[1147] The report requested by the Customer DB Program 7510 can
include fields whose values collectively constitute the Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 of any panel member. For example, if the
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 is a wireless phone number, the report
can include the field for wireless phone numbers or if the Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 is the last name, first name, street address,
and zip code, the report can include the fields for such data. The
report can include the values for the fields specified by the
Customer DB Program 7510. The report requested by the program can
include data for any given time period an Advertiser wishes to
evaluate.
[1148] In addition to the fields whose values collectively
constitute the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 of any panel member,
the report can include the fields and their respective values for
any data reflecting a purchase by a panel member of the product
promoted in such Advertisement. These additional fields can
include, but are not limited to: the brand name, the product name,
the product ID (whether internally generated or a standardized
product ID code, e.g., the UPC, the EAN, and/or the GTIN), unit
price, transaction size, retail channel, payment method, the date
purchased, and/or the time purchased. In addition, the report can
include the fields and their respective values for any data
reflecting a response by a panel member short of or related to a
purchase. These additional fields can include, but are not limited
to, any return of a product, application of financing to purchase a
product, request for information about a product, and/or contact
with the Advertiser/Manufacturer and the type of contact, e.g.,
call, email, mail, web site visit, physical store visit, or any
other contact.
[1149] A record with values for one or more fields whose values
collectively constitute the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 of any
panel member and one or more fields whose values reflect a purchase
by such panel member is a Panel Customer Record.
[1150] By importing data on the retail channel in which a customer
bought a product, the report can enable an Advertiser/Manufacturer
to measure the ROI of an Advertisement viewed through any Media
Device 0110, regardless of the retail channel. For example, because
a Retailer Customer Database 1454 can include data on purchases in
physical stores, purchases in online stores, and purchases through
the phone, an Advertiser/Manufacturer can measure the ROI of an
online Advertisement leading to a sale in a physical store, in an
online store, and through the phone, as well as the ROI of an
Television Advertisement leading to a sale in a physical store, in
an online store, and through the phone.
[1151] The Customer DB Program 7510 can support the queries of and
generation of a Matching ID Code Report 7630 from a Retailer
Customer Database 1454 that is centralized at one server or
distributed among multiple servers. Some Retailers operate a single
Retailer Customer Database 1454 that includes data on purchases in
any retail channel. Other Retailers operate a separate Retailer
Customer Database 1454 for each retail channel. Other Retailers
operate separate, but integrated or networked, Retailer Customer
Databases 1454 for each retail channel. The Customer DB Program
7510 can support the queries of Existing Unique ID Codes 5110
across multiple Retailer Customer Databases 1454 and the generation
of a Matching ID Code Report 7630 from multiple Retailer Customer
Databases 1454.
[1152] The Customer DB Program 7510 can format the Matching ID Code
Report 7630 into a data structure that the Match Program 7610 can
read when searching for Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 that match
the Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 associated with Ad Data Codes
0200. The Customer DB Program 7510 can encrypt the Matching ID Code
Report 7630, transmit over a network such encrypted report to the
Match Program 7610, and receive an acknowledgement from the Match
Program 7610 that it received and decrypted the report.
[1153] A sample Matching ID Code Report 7630 can have a format with
one or more the following fields: TABLE-US-00004 Vendor First Phone
Product Product Retail Name Number ID Name Channel PurchaseDate
John 210-123- 123456789012 XXXXXX Physical 2006/07/01 4567 Dave
510-123- xxxxxxxxxxxx YYYYYY Online 2006/07/11 4567 Jill 610-123-
xxxxxxxxxxxx ZZZZZZ Phone 2006/07/21 4567
[1154] This sample Matching ID Code Report 7630 includes records of
three customers with a FirstName and PhoneNumber matching those of
panel members, one of whom bought a product with a VendorProductID
code "123456789012" in a physical retail channel on the date,
YYYY/MM/DD.
[1155] Where an Independent Retailer operates the Retailer Customer
Database 1454 and allows its suppliers to access directly certain
data in such database, the Customer DB Program 7510 can add the
number and type of fields to which an Advertiser/Manufacturer can
access and/or generate a report which can include data from such
additional fields. If an Independent Retailer currently enables an
Advertiser/Manufacturer to access only fields describing the
products and/or inventory of the products of such
Advertiser/Manufacturer and/or access reports providing only
aggregate data on such products and/or inventory, the Customer DB
Program 7510 can--with the permission of the Independent Retailer
and/or the individual customer (e.g., through receiving permission
from customers on the Panel List 7462)--enable the
Advertiser/Manufacturer to access additional fields describing the
customer associated with any given transaction involving its
products and/or access reports including data from such additional
fields. In the preferred embodiment, the program can enable the
Advertiser/Manufacturer to access additional fields describing only
those customers with Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 matching the
Existing Unique ID Codes 5110 from the Panel List 7462. An
Independent Retailer would not violate any privacy policy with
respect to such data if customers on the Panel List 7462 provide an
Advertiser or Third Party permission to access such data. In
another embodiment, the program can enable the
Advertiser/Manufacturer to access additional fields describing any
customer in the Retailer Customer Database 1454.
A.4.1.4 Outputs
[1156] The outputs from Customer DB Program 7510 can include a file
containing a Matching ID Code Report 7630. [1157] Data Destination:
Match Program. The Retailer Server 0140 can transmit a Matching ID
Code Report 7630 to the Match Program 7610 located at a server
operated by an Advertiser or Manufacturer ("Advertiser/Manufacturer
Server"), an Third Party Server 0150, or a server at a third party.
In another embodiment, the Match Program 7610 can poll the Customer
DB Program 7510 to retrieve the Matching ID Code Report 7630. In
another embodiment, a user of the Match Program 7610 can directly
access the Matching ID Code Report 7630 on the Retailer Server
0140. In the case where an Advertiser/Manufacturer and Retailer can
share access to the Retailer Customer Database 1454, such database
can have any interface through which a user can access, including,
but not limited to, a HTML-based interface through which a user can
access via a web browser. [1158] Communications Protocol. The
Retailer Server 0140 can transmit a Matching ID Code Report 7630 to
the Match Program 7610 located at another server over any
communications protocol, including, but not limited to: IP,
electronic data interchange (EDI), or any proprietary protocol. A.5
Matching of Data
[1159] The system can search the Ad Data Code Report 7620 and the
Matching ID Code Report 7630 for any matches in Existing Unique ID
Codes 5110. If there is a match of such Existing Unique ID Code(s)
5110 where the associated product purchase occurs after the
associated Advertisement viewing, an Advertiser can infer some type
of relationship between the Advertisement viewing and the purchase
of the product promoted in such Advertisement. See FIG. 76 for a
diagram illustrating the different components of the system
components enabling the matching of such Existing Unique ID Code(s)
5110.
A.5.1 Match Program
A.5.1.1 Description
[1160] The Match Program 7610 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium having
computer program logic recorded in such medium loaded into one or
more servers, which can include, but are not limited to: an
Advertiser System 0100, a Retailer Server 0140, an
Advertiser/Manufacturer Server 7240, and/or the Third Party Server
0150. The program can execute a variety of functions, including
functions that can be executed by URMA Module 0744, but not limited
to: the reception from the Web DB Program 7450 one or more Ad Data
Code Reports 7620, the reception from the Customer DB Program 7510
one or more Matching ID Code Reports 7630, the searching of the Ad
Data Code Report 7620 and Matching ID Code Report 7630 for any
matches in Existing Unique ID Codes 5110, the summing of the number
of transactions by customers with the same Existing Unique ID Codes
5110 in both the Ad Data Code Report 7620 and Matching ID Code
Report 7630 which also have a Product ID in the Matching ID Code
Report 7630 matching the Product ID in the Specific Advertisement
Records 7212 (which can be the ROI Numerator), the summing of the
number of Advertisements promoting a product with such Product ID
(which can be the ROI Denominator), and/or the division of the ROI
Numerator by the ROI Denominator to yield the ROI of a given
Advertisement.
A.5.1.2 Inputs
[1161] The inputs into Match Program 7610 can include any of the
following reports: [1162] Data Source: Web Server. The program can
receive one or more Ad Data Code Reports 7620 from the Web DB
Program 7450 at an Advertiser System 0100. [1163] Data Source:
Retailer Server. The program can receive one or more Matching ID
Code Reports 7630 from the Customer DB Program 7510 at one or more
Retailer Servers 0140. [1164] Allowable Data Types. The program can
enable the reception of any file with alphanumeric data or any
other data representing an Existing Unique ID Code 5110, an Ad Data
Code 0200, and/or a product ID. A.5.1.3 Processing A.5.1.3.1
Algorithm
[1165] For a given time period t, the Match Program 7610 can
calculate the ROI of a given Advertisement by executing one or more
of the following steps. The present invention can implement the
following algorithm by executing a subset of the steps, executing
the steps in different order, and/or executing other or additional
related or equivalent steps. [1166] 1. Search an Ad Data Code
Report 7620 and sum the number of records of Ad Data Codes 0200 for
a given Advertisement Ax. For example, there can be x number of
panel members, on whose Personal Computers 0308 and STBs 0500 the
Local PC Program 7420 and the Local STB Program 7430, respectively,
can transmit Specific Advertisement Records 7212 containing the
records of each Advertisement as described by its associated Ad
Data Code 0200 viewed by each panel member. The Web DB Program 7450
can generate an Ad Data Code Report 7620 that contains records of
one or more Specific Advertisement Records 7212 for one or more
panel members. The Match Program 7610 can sum the number of records
of Ad Data Codes 0200 for a given Advertisement A,, which can equal
(x number of panel members)*(an average of y number of times each
panel member viewed Advertisement A.sub.x). This product
constitutes the ROI Denominator. [1167] 2. Search one or more
Matching ID Code Reports 7630 and filter those records of customers
or customer transactions with an Existing Unique ID Code 5110 which
matches the Existing Unique ID Code 5110 in a record for a given
Advertisement Ax in the Ad Data Code Report 7620. For example, an
Advertiser/Manufacturer can store at its Advertiser System 0100 an
Ad Data Code Report 7620 containing the records of one or more
Specific Advertisement Records 7212 for one or more panel members.
In addition, an Advertiser/Manufacturer can store at its Advertiser
System 0100 or another server it operates one or more Matching ID
Code Reports 7630 received from one or more of its Retailers. The
Match Program 7610 can search both the Ad Data Code Report 7620 and
one or more Matching ID Code Reports 7630 for any Specific
Advertisement Record 7212 for a given Advertisement A, with an
Existing Unique ID Code 5110 matching an Existing Unique ID Code
5110 in any Panel Customer Record ("Matching ID Code Record").
[1168] 3. For those Matching ID Code Records, filter those Panel
Customer Records whose values for the PurchaseDate field occur
after the values of the ViewingDate field in the Ad Data Code 0200
for a given Advertisement A.sub.x ("Post Matching ID Code
Records"). [1169] 4. For those Post Matching ID Code Records, sum
the number of records of customers or customer transactions with a
Product ID which matches the Product ID in the Ad Data Code 0200
for Advertisement A.sub.x. This sum constitutes the ROI Numerator.
[1170] 5. Divide ROI Numerator by ROI Denominator to generate ROI
for Advertisement A.sub.x.
[1171] The following example shows the application of the above
steps to generate a ROI calculation for Advertisement
000000001.
[1172] Ad Data Code Report: TABLE-US-00005 Vendor Ad Product Media
First Phone Viewing Identifier ID Channel Name Number Date
000000001 123456789012 PC John 210-123- 2006/06/01 4567 000000001
123456789012 PC Mary 310-123- 2006/06/11 4567 000000001
123456789012 TV Bill 410-123- 2006/06/21 4567
[1173] One Matching ID Code Report: TABLE-US-00006 Vendor First
Phone Product Product Retail Name Number ID Name Channel
PurchaseDate John 210-123- 123456789012 XXXXXX Physical 2006/07/01
4567 Dave 510-123- xxxxxxxxxxxx YYYYYY Online 2006/07/11 4567 Jill
610-123- xxxxxxxxxxxx ZZZZZZ Phone 2006/07/21 4567
[1174] 1. Search the Ad Data Code Report 7620 and sum the number of
records of Ad Data Codes 0200 for Advertisement 000000001. Step 1
generates a value of 3, which equals the ROI Denominator. [1175] 2.
Search one or more Matching ID Code Reports 7630 and filter those
records of customers or customer transactions with an Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 which matches the Existing Unique ID Code 5110
in a record for Advertisement 000000001 in the Ad Data Code Report
7620. Step 2 finds that only one Panel Customer Record
(FirstName=John and PhoneNumber=210-123-4567) has an Existing
Unique ID Code 5110 which matches the Existing Unique ID Code 5110
in a record for Advertisement 000000001. Step 2 defines such Panel
Customer Record as a Matching ID Code Record. [1176] 3. For those
Matching ID Code Records, filter those Panel Customer Records whose
values for the PurchaseDate field occur after the values of the
ViewingDate field in the Ad Data Code 0200 for Advertisement
000000001. The value of 2006/06/01 in PurchaseDate for the Matching
ID Code Record occurs after the value of 2006/07/01 in ViewingDate.
Step 3 defines such Panel Customer Record as a Post Matching ID
Code Record. [1177] 4. For those Post Matching ID Code Records, sum
the number of records of customers or customer transactions with a
Product ID which matches the Product ID in the Ad Data Code 0200
for Advertisement 000000001. Step 4 finds that the VendorProductID
for the Post Matching ID Code Record matches the VendorProductID
for the Ad Data Code Record. Step 4 generates a value of 1, which
equals the ROI Numerator. [1178] 5. Divide ROI Numerator by ROI
Denominator to generate ROI for Advertisement 000000001. Step 5
generates a value of 1/3. A.5.1.3.2 Related Product Purchases
[1179] In calculating the ROI Numerator, the Match Program 7610 can
sum not only: (1) the number of customer transactions in the
Matching ID Code Report 7630 with a Product ID matching the Product
ID in the Specific Advertisement Records 7212; but also (2) the
number of records of customer transactions in the Matching ID Code
Report 7630 with a Product ID that is related to the Product ID in
the Specific Advertisement Records 7212.
[1180] That is, a customer can buy one or more related products in
response to viewing an Advertisement promoting a single
product:
[1181] 1. There can be a family relationship between the products.
An Advertisement promoting a brand X can lead to a customer buying
a model XY that is part of brand X. For example, an Advertisement
promoting brand X can lead to a customer buying model XY that is
part of brand X. If the Advertiser/Manufacturer uses a proprietary
Product ID to identify uniquely a first product, there is typically
one or more lookup tables including the values of any other
products related to the first product. For example, an
Advertiser/Manufacturer brand database can include the following
table identifying the brands in the Advertiser/Manufacturer's
portfolio: TABLE-US-00007 Other Brand ID Brand Name Other field
field 00000 XXX 00100 YYY 00200 ZZZ
[1182] A brand XXX database can include the following table
identifying the products under the brand XXX: TABLE-US-00008
Product Product Brand Brand ID Name Name ID 00001 xxx XXX 00000
00002 yyy XXX 00000 00003 zzz XXX 00000
[1183] A product xxx database can include the following table
identifying the specific models under product xxx: TABLE-US-00009
Product Product ID Name Model Model ID 00001 xxx 2-door 000011
00001 xxx 4-door 000012
For an Advertisement promoting the brand XXX, the Match Program
7610 can sum the number of customer records with not only the Brand
ID equaling 00000, but also the number of any customer records with
a Product ID equaling 00001, 00002, and 00003, and the number of
any customer records with a Model ID of 000011 and 000012. The
program can execute the above sum in a variety of ways, including,
but not limited to: the program calling a function in the
Advertiser/Manufacturer product database that can automatically
lookup the values of other products related to the primary product.
For example, if the program is summing the number of customer
records with the Brand ID equaling 00000, the program can
automatically call a function in the Advertiser/Manufacturer brand
database that looks up the foreign key's table, "Brand XXX" and
sums any customer records with a Product ID whose Brand ID also
equals 00000, and any customer records with a Model ID whose
Product ID also equals 00001. [1184] 2. There can be other
relationships between the products. An Advertisement promoting an
automobile brand X can lead to a customer buying an automobile
service XX1 that is related to the sale of brand X. For example, an
Advertisement by an automobile dealer promoting the brand XXX can
lead to a customer buying not only a brand XXX automobile from the
dealer, but also an annual service contract maintaining the
automobile from such dealer instead of a third party.
[1185] The Match Program 7610 can sum the number of customer
records with not only the Brand ID equaling the brand of the
product purchased, but also the number of any customer records with
a Product ID equaling the related products purchased, e.g., the
annual service contract. To enable the program to sum the customer
records of related products purchased, the Advertiser/Manufacturer
can create and provide the program access to lookup tables that
relate additional products to the primary product purchased.
[1186] In another embodiment, the Advertiser/Manufacturer can use a
standardized Product ID to identify uniquely a product, e.g., an
UPC, EAN, and/or GTIN. To enable the Match Program 7610 to match
not only exactly matching Product IDs, but also any related Product
IDs, the Advertiser/Manufacturer can create and provide the program
access to lookup tables that relate additional products to the
primary product purchased which identify such products with
standardized Product IDs.
A.5.1.4 Outputs
[1187] The outputs from Match Program 7610 can include a report
containing data on the ROI of any Advertisement. [1188] Data
Destination: PC of Decision Maker. The Match Program 7610 can
transmit to the Personal Computer 0308 of a decision maker at the
Advertiser a report containing data on the ROI of any
Advertisement. The report can include summary data and data
constituting the ROI Numerator and ROI Denominator. The report can
include data in the form of tables and/or graphics. [1189] Data
Destination: ERP Program. The Match Program 7610 can transmit data
on the ROI of any Advertisement to another program, including, but
not limited to, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) program, a
financial planning program, and/or a marketing analysis program,
which can import, process, and/or export data enabling an
Advertiser to calculate additional measures related to such
Advertisement. For example, another program can include or access
data on the gross margin or contribution of the product promoted in
an Advertisement, the cost of producing such Advertisement, and the
cost of placing such Advertisement. Such additional data can enable
an Advertiser to calculate the ROI and determine if the sales from
such Advertisement exceed the expenses. [1190] Data Destination:
Analysis Program. The Match Program 7610 can transmit aggregate
and/or specific panel member data on the ROI of any Advertisement
to the Analysis Program 7710. A.6 Analysis of Data
[1191] The system can calculate a given Advertisement ROI, i.e.,
the ratio of the number of purchases by one or more panel members
of a product promoted in a given Advertisement to the number of Ad
Data Codes 0200 describing such Advertisement viewed by one or more
such panel members. However, an Advertiser would typically value
additional analysis of such data for a variety of reasons,
including, but not limited to, the following. [1192] 1. A given
panel member could have bought such product even if they had not
viewed such Advertisement. An Advertiser would like to know the
difference between the ROI of one sample group of panel members who
viewed an Advertisement for a given product and the ROI of another
sample group of panel members who did not view such Advertisement.
[1193] 2. A given panel member can view the same Advertisement for
a given product on one or more Media Devices 0110. An Advertiser
would like to know the difference between the ROI of one sample
group of panel members who viewed the same Advertisement on one
Media Device 0110, e.g., a Personal Computer 0308, and the ROI of
another sample group of panel members who viewed the same
Advertisement on another Media Device 0110, e.g., a Television
0304. [1194] 3. A given panel member could have bought such
product, because he/she was influenced by prior Advertisements
improving the image of the brand ("Branding Advertisement") as well
as a current Advertisement encouraging the immediate purchase of
the product ("Transaction Advertisement"). An Advertiser would like
to know the difference between the ROI of one sample group of panel
members who viewed the Branding Advertisement and Transaction
Advertisement and the ROI of another sample group of panel members
who viewed only the Transaction Advertisement.
[1195] The system can enable an Advertiser to determine with a high
confidence level the effect of any independent variable on the ROI
of a given Advertisement. The system can test the effect of any
independent variable of interest to an Advertiser, including, but
not limited to: the viewing of an Advertisement promoting a given
product; the viewing of a given Advertisement on a given Media
Device 0110; the viewing of a Branding Advertisement; any given
element of an Advertisement, including, but not limited to, the
content of an Advertisement, e.g., a slogan, the degree of product
benefit explanation, the type of product endorsement, e.g., a
scientific study v. a celebrity, the type of background music, or
the type of background color; the type of product promoted; the
pricing of the product; and/or the type of retail channel for the
product.
A.6.1 Analysis Program
A.6.1.1 Description
[1196] The Analysis Program 7710 is a computer program product
comprising a Computer/Machine Readable/Accessible Medium (as
defined in Section 7.0) having computer program logic recorded in
such medium loaded into one or more servers, which can include, but
are not limited to: an Advertiser System 0100, a Retailer Server
0140, an Advertiser/Manufacturer Server 7240, and/or the Third
Party Server 0150. The program can execute a variety of functions,
including functions that can be executed by URMA Module 0744, but
not limited to: the selection of one or more sample groups of panel
members representative of the population targeted by such
Advertiser; the selection of one or more Advertisements of which at
least one is an Advertisement that includes the independent
variable and another is an Advertisement that represents the
control; the transmission of such Advertisements to the plurality
of sample groups; the reception from the Match Program 7610 data on
an average, e.g., mean, ROI of the Advertisement transmitted to
each sample group; the reception from the Match Program 7610 data
on the values of ROI for any given panel member; and/or the
calculation of the mean, standard deviation, standard error,
confidence interval, and test statistic of the sample group
estimate of ROI and/or the difference in sample group mean ROI.
[1197] See FIG. 77 for a diagram illustrating the different
components of the system components enabling the testing the effect
of an independent variable on the ROI of a given Advertisement.
A.6.1.2 Inputs
[1198] The inputs into Analysis Program 7710 can include any of the
following data: [1199] Data Source: Panel List Program. The program
can receive from an Panel List Program 7460 a list of panel members
representative of the population targeted by a given Advertiser.
[1200] Data Source: Match Program. The program can receive from an
Match Program 7610 any data on the ROI of the Advertisement
transmitted to each sample group. Such data can include, without
limitation, the mean ROI of each sample group, and/or the ROI of
any given panel member of each sample group. [1201] Allowable Data
Types. The program can enable the reception of any file with
alphanumeric data or any other data representing an Existing Unique
ID Code 5110, an Ad Data Code 0200, and/or a product ID. A.6.1.3
Processing A.6.1.3.1 Algorithm
[1202] The Analysis Program 7710 can test the effect of an
independent variable on the ROI of a given Advertisement by
executing one or more of the following steps. The present invention
can implement flowchart 7900 by executing a subset of the steps,
executing the steps in different order, and/or executing other or
additional related or equivalent steps. See FIG. 77 for a diagram
showing the following steps: [1203] 1. Retrieve from a Panel List
Program 7460 a list of panel members representative of the
population targeted by a given Advertiser for a given product.
[1204] 2. Assign randomly panel members into one or more sample
groups. In the preferred embodiment, the Analysis Program 7710
generates two sample groups, Sample Group A and Sample Group B. In
another embodiment, the program generates more than two sample
groups. [1205] 3. Select one or more Advertisements, of which one
includes the independent variable whose effect on ROI an Advertiser
wishes to test. The Advertiser can store in the memory of one or
more servers, e.g., its Advertiser System 0100, one or more
Advertisements, of which one includes the independent variable. The
program retrieves each Advertisement and assigns such Advertisement
to one or more sample groups. In the preferred embodiment, the
program assigns Advertisement A, which includes the independent
variable, to Sample Group A and Advertisement B, which excludes the
independent variable, to Sample Group B. See FIG. 78 for a diagram
illustrating the differences between an Advertisement including an
independent variable and an Advertisement excluding an independent
variable. [1206] 4. Transmit Advertisement A to the Media Device
0110 being tested of Sample Group A and Advertisement B to the
Media Device 0110 being tested of Sample Group B. If the
independent variable is the Media Device 0110, e.g., an Advertiser
wishes to test the difference between an Advertisement viewed on a
Personal Computer 0308 and the same Advertisement viewed on a
Television 0304, then the program can either: (a) transmit an
Advertisement to a first Media Device 0110 and a second Media
Device 0110 to Sample Group A and the same Advertisement to a
second Media Device 0110 to Sample Group B; or (b) transmit an
Advertisement to a first Media Device 0110 to Sample Group A and
not transmit such Advertisement a second Media Device 0110 for both
Sample Group A and Sample Group B. [1207] 5. Retrieve from Match
Program 7610 data on the mean ROI of each sample group. The
Analysis Program 7710 can calculate an average ROI (sample group
x), which can be any average, including, but not limited to: a
mean, weighted mean, or any other average. In the preferred
embodiment, the program defines and calculates the mean ROI (sample
group x) as follows: Let .times. .times. x i = ROI .times. .times.
of .times. .times. panel .times. .times. member i ##EQU1## Let
.times. .times. x .function. ( mean ) = i n .times. ( x i / n )
##EQU1.2##
[1208] After calculating such mean, the program writes the value of
x (mean) in memory and/or permanent storage. [1209] 6. Retrieve
from Match Program 7610 data on the ROI of each panel member of
each sample group. The Analysis Program 7710 writes the values of
xi and the number n of panel members of each sample group to the
memory of the server on which it is loaded. [1210] 7. Calculate the
standard deviation of each sample group. In the preferred
embodiment, the Analysis Program 7710 defines and calculates the
standard deviation (sample group x) as follows: Let .times. .times.
SD x = ( i n .times. ( x i - x .function. ( mean ) ) 2 / ( n - 1 )
) ##EQU2##
[1211] The program can calculate the standard deviation of each
sample group by reading from memory and/or permanent storage, in
which Match Program 7610 stores the values of x.sub.i and n,
calculating the difference between the ROI for each panel member
and the mean ROI for his/her sample group, squaring such
difference, summing such squares, dividing such sum by the
difference of (n-1), and taking the square root of such division.
After calculating such standard deviation, the program writes the
value of SD.sub.1, SD.sub.2 . . . SD.sub.x in memory and/or
permanent storage. [1212] 8. Calculate the standard error of the
difference between the sample group means. The Analysis Program
7710 can calculate the standard error of sample group mean, the
standard error of the difference between the sample group means,
and/or the standard error of any other measure related to sample
group mean, e.g., a proportion or a ratio, an Advertiser wishes to
test. In the preferred embodiment, the program can test the
difference in mean ROI among one or more sample groups. The program
can make different calculations of the standard error of the
difference between the sample group means, depending on the sample
size.
[1213] The program includes a step which compares n against any
given threshold defining a sample as large or small. The program
can enable a user to input any n threshold above which it defines
as a large sample and below which it defines as a small sample. If
a user of the program does not input an n threshold, the program
assigns a value of n threshold equal to 30 observations.
[1214] a. For a large sample size, the program can calculate the
standard error of the difference between two sample group means
using any widely accepted formula. One widely accepted formula is
as follows: Let s.e. (difference, large)=
((SD.sub.1.sup.2/n.sub.1)+(SD.sub.2.sup.2/n.sub.2)) [1215] The
program can calculate the s.e. (difference, large) by reading the
values SD.sub.1, SD.sub.2, n.sub.1, n.sub.2 from memory and/or
permanent storage, squaring SD.sub.1, squaring SD.sub.2, dividing
SD.sub.1 by n.sub.1, dividing SD.sub.2 by n.sub.2, summing the
previous two ratios, and taking the square root of such sum. After
calculating such s.e. (difference, large), the program writes such
value in memory and/or permanent storage.
[1216] b. For a small sample size, the program can calculate the
standard error of the difference between two sample group means
using any widely accepted formula. One widely accepted formula is
as follows: Let
s.sub.p.sup.2=(((n.sub.1-1)*SD.sub.1.sup.2)+((n.sub.2-1)*SD.sub.2.sup.2))-
/(n.sub.1+n.sub.2-2) Let s.e.(difference, small)=s.sub.p*(
((1/n.sub.1)+(1/n.sub.2))) [1217] The program can calculate the
s.e. (difference, small) by reading the values SD.sub.1, SD.sub.2,
n.sub.1, n.sub.2 from memory and/or permanent storage, calculating
s.sub.p.sup.2 in accordance with the above formula, calculating the
inverse of n.sub.1, calculating the inverse of n.sub.2, summing the
previous two terms, taking the square root of such sum, and
multiplying such square root by the s.sub.p.sup.2. After
calculating such s.e. (difference, small), the program writes such
value in memory and/or permanent storage.
[1218] The standard error formula implies that the precision of the
sample group mean is related to the variability of the ROI of panel
members and the number of panel members sampled. The smaller the
variability or the larger the number of samples, the more precise
the sample group mean. [1219] 9. Calculate the confidence interval
providing the range within which the true mean ROI for the
population lies for each sample group. The Analysis Program 7710
can calculate any confidence interval. A common confidence interval
used in statistical testing is 95 percent. In the preferred
embodiment, the program can define and calculate a 95 percent
confidence interval for the sample group mean as approximately:
x(mean).+-.2*s.e.(x(mean))
[1220] The program can calculate a 95 percent confidence interval
by multiplying the standard error of the sample group mean by two,
a product which when added or subtracted from the sample group mean
represents the range within which the true mean ROI for the
population lies. After calculating such confidence level, the
program writes such value in memory and/or permanent storage.
[1221] 10. Calculate using standard statistical tests the
probability of generating the observed difference between sample
group means. In standard statistical analysis, if there is a very
small probability of generating a difference as large as the
difference observed, then it is reasonable to reject the hypothesis
that there is no difference between the sample group means and to
conclude that the difference is statistically significant. A
general formula for calculating the test statistic for the observed
difference between sample group means is:
t=(x.sub.1(mean)-x.sub.2(mean))/s.e.(difference)
[1222] In the preferred embodiment, the program can calculate a
t-value in accordance with the above formula, compare such t-value
with standard distribution tables stored locally or remotely,
and/or lookup the p-value associated with any given t-value, i.e.,
the probability of generating the observed difference between
sample group means. After calculating such t-value and p-value, the
program writes such values in memory and/or permanent storage.
[1223] 11. If the p-value exceeds a given p-threshold, then
standard statistical analysis suggests that the independent
variable did not generate a statistically significant observed
difference between sample group means. If the p-value falls below a
given p-threshold, then standard statistical analysis suggests that
the independent variable did generate a statistically significant
observed difference between sample group means.
[1224] If the Advertiser specifies a given p-threshold, e.g., 1
percent, then the program compares the p-value against such
p-threshold. If the Advertiser does not specify a given
p-threshold, then the program compares the p-value against a 5
percent p-threshold. [1225] 12. If the p-value exceeds a given
p-threshold, then the program excludes the independent variable
when producing a final Advertisement for transmission to the target
population. [1226] 13. If the p-value falls below a given
p-threshold, then the program includes the independent variable
when producing a final Advertisement for transmission to the target
population.
[1227] In another embodiment, the program can add additional steps
to control for other factors that could affect the observed
difference between sample group means. For example, a panel member
can view an Advertisement by a competing vendor B, which could
increase the probability of buying the product promoted by vendor
A. The program can add a step to control for viewings of such
competing product Advertisements.
A.6.1.3.2 EXAMPLE
[1228] The following example shows how the Analysis Program 7710
can test the effect of an independent variable--specifically the
Media Device 0110, i.e., Personal Computer 0308, on which a panel
member views an Advertisement--on the ROI of a given Advertisement
by executing the following steps:
[1229] 1. Retrieve a list of panel members (PM) representative of
the population targeted by a given Advertiser for a given product.
TABLE-US-00010 Panel Member PM Descriptive Record ID Data PM ID
Code Field xx 0001 Male, 35 years old 210-123-4567 0002 Male, 31
years old 915-123-4567 0003 Male, 39 years old 353-123-4567 0004
Male, 45 years old 256-123-4567 0005 Male, 28 years old
367-123-4567 0006 Male, 33 years old 758-123-4567 0007 Male, 28
years old 410-123-4567 0008 Male, 41 years old 844-123-4567 0009
Male, 37 years old 990-123-4567 0010 Male, 39 years old
445-123-4567
[1230] 2. Assign randomly panel members into Sample Group A and
Sample Group B. TABLE-US-00011 Panel Member PM Descriptive Record
ID Data PM ID Code Field xx Sample Group A: 0001 Male, 35 years old
210-123-4567 0002 Male, 31 years old 915-123-4567 0004 Male, 45
years old 256-123-4567 0006 Male, 33 years old 758-123-4567 0009
Male, 37 years old 990-123-4567 Sample Group B: 0003 Male, 39 years
old 353-123-4567 0005 Male, 28 years old 367-123-4567 0007 Male, 28
years old 410-123-4567 0008 Male, 41 years old 844-123-4567 0010
Male, 39 years old 445-123-4567
[1231] 3. Select the Advertisement which Analysis Program 7710 can
transmit to Sample Group A and Sample Group B. Because this example
is testing the independent variable, Personal Computer Media Device
0308, the program transmits the same Advertisement to both Sample
Groups. [1232] 4. Transmit Advertisement A to the Personal Computer
0308 and Television 0304 of Sample Group A and Advertisement A to
the Television 0304 of Sample Group B. [1233] 5. Retrieve from
Match Program 7610 data on the mean ROI of each sample group.
[1234] Sample Group A ROI (mean)=4.4%
[1235] Sample Group B ROI (mean)=1.9%
[1236] 6. Retrieve from Match Program 7610 data on the ROI of each
panel member of each sample group. TABLE-US-00012 Panel Member PM
Descriptive Record ID Data PM ID Code ROI Sample Group A: 0001
Male, 35 years old 210-123-4567 3.1% 0002 Male, 31 years old
915-123-4567 4.6% 0004 Male, 45 years old 256-123-4567 4.2% 0006
Male, 33 years old 758-123-4567 2.6% 0009 Male, 37 years old
990-123-4567 7.4% Sample Group B: 0003 Male, 39 years old
353-123-4567 2.1% 0005 Male, 28 years old 367-123-4567 1.3% 0007
Male, 28 years old 410-123-4567 1.5% 0008 Male, 41 years old
844-123-4567 4.5% 0010 Male, 39 years old 445-123-4567 0.0%
[1237] 7. Calculate the standard deviation of each sample
group.
[1238] SD.sub.A=1.87
[1239] SD.sub.B=1.65 [1240] 8. Calculate the standard error of the
difference between the sample group means. The program compares
n.sub.1 and n.sub.2 against the threshold defining a sample as
large or small. Because n.sub.1 and n.sub.2 are each less than 30,
the program calculates the standard error of the difference between
the sample group means in accordance with step 8.b.
s.sub.p.sup.2=(((n.sub.1-1)*SD.sub.1.sup.2)+(n.sub.2-1)*SD.sub.2.sup.2))/-
(n.sub.1+n.sub.2-2) s.sub.p.sup.2=3.11 s.e.(difference,
small)=s.sub.p*( ((1/n.sub.1)+(1/n.sub.2))) s.e.(difference,
small)=1.97 [1241] 9. Calculate the 95% confidence interval
providing the range within which the true mean ROI for the
population lies for each sample group. CI(Sample Group
A)=4.4%.+-.1.68% CI(Sample Group B)=1.9%.+-.1.48% [1242] 10.
Calculate the test statistic for the observed difference between
the sample group means.
t=(x.sub.1(mean)-x.sub.2(mean))/s.e.(difference)
t=(4.4%-1.9%)/(1.97) t=1.27
[1243] The associated p-value is between 0.50 and 0.10. [1244] 11.
Because the p-value exceeds the 5 percent p-threshold, the program
decides that the independent variable--showing the Advertisement on
a Personal Computer 0308--did not generate a statistically
significant observed difference between the two sample group
means.
[1245] Given the small sample size of 5 observations for each
sample group, the difference between the two sample group means
would have to be large in order to generate a high t-value and low
associated p-value. Alternatively, the program can generate a high
t-value and low associated p-value for the observed difference
between the two sample group means if the sample size is
sufficiently large.
A.6.1.4 Outputs
[1246] The outputs from Analysis Program 7710 can include data
showing the statistical significance of the observed difference
between sample group means and/or a decision metric for including
or excluding an independent variable in a final Advertisement for
transmission to the target population.
* * * * *